Year 8, Day 158: Mark 11

Theological Commentary: Click Here

As I focus on what can be learned from Jesus today, there is a common theme that seems to be jumping out at me.  Jesus is interested in the condition of the human heart.  This theme isn’t a surprise at all.  Naturally, Jesus is interested in the condition of the human heart.  While it isn’t a surprise, it is worth noting.

To begin, I’m going to look at the central story in this chapter.  Jesus cleanses the temple.  Make sure that you pick up on what Jesus finds so reprehensible.  Jesus teaches us that the temple should be a place of prayer for everyone.  The religious leaders have turned it into a great money-making scheme!  The religious leaders then go out to get rid of Jesus because they know that their livelihood is being challenged!

The problem in the temple is a problem of heart. Jesus wants the temple to be a place of refuge and peace.  The religious leaders see obligatory religion practice as a means to an end.  The religious leaders are in it for the people, they’re in it for the lifestyle.  Their heart is bad.  Jesus clears the temple, purging it from those who have lost their focus.

Now, look at the fig tree stories.  Growing up, I always felt bad for the fig tree story because this poor tree withers because it isn’t in season.  However, that’s not what is really going on in this story at all.  Yes, the fig tree withers.  But the point isn’t so much that it isn’t the season for figs.  Jesus is trying to make a symbolic illustration.  God is looking for fruit.  He wants us to pray.  He wants us to forgive.  He wants us to believe in the power of God.  It doesn’t matter what season we’re in as we go through life.  God wants to see the fruit of our heart.  We can always be forgiving.  We can always live as an example of a godly life.  We can always be in a relationship with God that believes in His omnipotence and omnipresence.

Lastly, look at the stories that bookend the chapter.  The chapter starts with the triumphal entry.  Jesus is lifted up and exalted.  He comes into Jerusalem on a colt as was prophesied.  He comes in a public hero.  The heart of the people is with Him. 

As the day progresses, we see even more intimately into the heart of the religious leaders.  They come to question Jesus’ authority, but Jesus turns the question back upon them.  The religious leaders refuse to take a side.  Their heart isn’t in good theology, their heart is in retaining their power and status.  Jesus exposes the condition of their heart and the battle is over.

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