March 15 – Mark 11

Mark 11 presents a dynamic picture of Jesus: a humble king, a righteous judge, a powerful miracle worker, and a wise teacher. He challenges us to bear fruit in our lives, to keep our places of worship pure, and to trust fully in the power of faith and prayer. He encourages us to forgive and emphasizes that true authority comes from God.

• What does Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem teach us about His view of kingship and authority?
• How does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem inspire humility in your own life?
• How does the cursing of the fig tree relate to Jesus’ message and ministry
• How does the lesson from the withered fig tree deepen your understanding of faith and prayer?
• How can we apply the lessons of faith and prayer from the withered fig tree to our own lives?
• Can you identify any “barren fig trees” in your own life that need to be addressed?
• Why does Jesus react so strongly to the merchants and money changers in the temple? What does this teach us about His expectations for worship?
• What does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple tell us about the relationship between commerce and worship?
• How can you keep your personal “temple” – your life, your heart – free from becoming a ‘den of robbers’?
• What actions can you take in your life to reflect the lessons from the cleansing of the temple?
• How do you feel when you see Jesus’ righteous anger in the temple? How does this shape your understanding of God’s character?
• What aspects of your life might Jesus want to ‘cleanse’ as He did the temple, and how can you cooperate with Him in that process?
• Why does Jesus refuse to directly answer the question about His authority?
• How do you see the authority of Jesus challenged in today’s society? How can you defend it?
• Why does Jesus emphasize forgiveness when teaching about prayer?
• How does Jesus’ approach to His own authority inspire you in your walk of faith?
• How can you grow your faith in God to move “mountains” in your life?
• How can you use Jesus’ teaching about faith and prayer in Mark 11 to improve your own prayer life?
• How do you handle questions about your faith or the authority of Jesus?
• Can you think of an instance in your life when you could have benefited from the kind of faith that Jesus describes in verses 22-24?