After arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus the Servant shows that He has a divine mission. For the second time in His ministry, He makes a public stir by cleansing the temple of its moneychangers and merchants. Then He underscores this judgement of hypocritical religion by cursing a nearby fig tree that leaves but no fruit. When His disciples wonder about this action, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach them about faith, prayer, and forgiveness.
Questions/Things to Consider:
- If someone commented, "I think it's weird that Jesus cursed that fig tree!" How would you respond? How would you explain Christ's actions?
- Following Christ's explanation of the withered fig tree, the disciples received a lesson in faith and prayer. What does it mean that our faith "can move mountains"? What does it not mean?
- If Jesus visited some of our modern-day churches or religious activities do you think He would be pleased or disgusted? Why? What aspects of the North American church might offend Him?
* Notes from "Mark: The Humanity of Christ," John MacArthur, 2006.
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