Gospel
of Mark – Chapters 11-12
Chapter 11 – Parallel Texts: Matthew 21:1-9, Luke 19:29-38, John 12:12-15
The Triumphal Entry (11:1-11)
·
The
“colt or donkey” represents
·
The
chant of the crowd – see Psalm 118:26 “Blessed is he who comes in the name of
the Lord.”
·
Jesus
was highly acclaimed when he entered
The Cursing of the
Temple/Jesus Clears the
·
Drove
the “moneychangers” out of the temple; doves also being sold
·
Forbad
anyone carrying merchandise in the temple courts
·
My
house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. . (Isaiah 56:7-8)
·
But
you have made it a den of robbers/thieves/bandits lair – (Jeremiah 7:4-11)
·
Jesus
uses as fig tree example to signal the future “temple” destruction (a.d.70)
·
Jesus
is hungry and looks to the fig tree for fruit to eat
·
Jesus
is angry there is no fruit and curses the fig tree
The Withered Fig Tree (11:20-25)
·
Peter
remembers the cursing of the tree and finds the tree dead/withered
·
Jesus
uses this experience to explain “faith”
·
We
can speak to our circumstances and if we believe – they will be answered and
handled – even if it seems impossible
·
Jesus
also requires “forgiveness” before prayer can be effective
Jesus’ Authority is
Questioned by Religious Authorities (11:27-33)
·
The
chief priests, elders, and teachers of the law quiz Jesus about the authority
behind his actions – beginning of a series of controversies
·
Jesus
requires they answer a question about John the Baptist’s baptism
·
They
cannot answer and Jesus refuses to answer their “trick” question
·
Jesus
uses their own tactics on them – put them in a difficult spot before the people
– John’s baptism not of man (the people would rebel) OR his baptism was not of
God (then why didn’t they submit to him)
·
The
people view Jesus as a prophet like John the Baptist; the authorities fear his
popularity – as was the case with John the Baptist
Gospel of Mark – Chapters 11 – 12
Chapter 12 – Parallel Texts: Matthew 21:33-46, Luke 20:9-19
The
Parable of the Wicked Tenants (12:1-12)
·
An
allegory (symbolic representation) used by Jesus to illustrates what to expect
for the priestly leadership and how their actions are to be understood.
·
Jesus
used this story to quiz the leaders on what the “owner” should do with ones who
kill the messengers sent by the owner
·
He
shows them the condition of the leaders and others who reject and kill God’s
messengers and seek to steal their goods
·
Jesus
is telling the parable against these leaders and they want him arrested
Paying
Taxes to Caesar (12:13-17)
·
Another
controversy – “trick” question but of political significance
·
Can
one be a Jew and honor Caesar as “lord”
·
If
Jesus says no – arrest for sedition; If “yes”– his popularity diminished
·
Pay
unto Caesar --- his, and pay unto God –
God’s – Jesus left a possible conflict where rendering to God would conflict
with authorities’ rule
Marriage
at the Resurrection (12:18-27)
·
Sadduccees
– Jewish sect – no resurrection, no angels, no spirit (Acts 23:8)
·
Made
up of the priestly aristocracy; strict constructionists; sacred tradition
·
Law
of the levirate marriage – Deuteronomy 25:5 basis for their dispute
The
Greatest Commandment (12:28-34)
·
A
scribe’s last controversial question to Jesus
·
Answer: Love
God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength (Deut 6:4 The Shema—to be
recited daily) AND
·
Love your neighbor as
yourself
(Leviticus 19:18)
·
Recognizes
the “sacrifice of praise/of the lips” as prayer
Whose Son
is the Christ (12:35-40)
·
Davidic
King; Son of David; from the line of David – title for the Messiah
·
Jesus
as the crucified and risen Christ = both the Son of David and Lord!
·
False
piety (teachers of the law) vs. True Piety – seen next. . .
The Widow’s
Might (Offering) (12:41-44)
·
Rich
vs. Poor – proportionate giving examined – she gave MORE!
·
Rich
gave a lot but gave out of a lot –
Poor gave all of what she had