‏ Mark 11

* Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. (1-11) The barren

fig-tree cursed, The temple cleansed. (12-18) Prayer in faith.

(19-26) The priests and elders questioned concerning John the

Baptist. (27-33)

1-11 Christ's coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably, shows that

he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies. This

would encourage his disciples who were full of fear. Also, that

he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching

sufferings. But all marked his humiliation; and these matters

teach us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of

low estate. How ill it becomes Christians to take state, when

Christ was so far from claiming it! They welcomed his person;

Blessed is he that cometh, the "He that should come," so often

promised, so long expected; he comes in the name of the Lord.

Let him have our best affections; he is a blessed Saviour, and

brings blessings to us, and blessed be He that sent him. Praises

be to our God, who is in the highest heavens, over all, God

blessed for ever. 12-18 Christ looked to find some fruit, for the time of

gathering figs, though it was near, was not yet come; but he

found none. He made this fig-tree an example, not to the trees,

but to the men of that generation. It was a figure of the doom

upon the Jewish church, to which he came seeking fruit, but

found none. Christ went to the temple, and began to reform the

abuses in its courts, to show that when the Redeemer came to

Zion, it was to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. The scribes

and the chief priests sought, not how they might make their

peace with him, but how they might destroy him. A desperate

attempt, which they could not but fear was fighting against God. 19-26 The disciples could not think why that fig-tree should so

soon wither away; but all wither who reject Christ; it

represented the state of the Jewish church. We should rest in no

religion that does not make us fruitful in good works. Christ

taught them from hence to pray in faith. It may be applied to

that mighty faith with which all true Christians are endued, and

which does wonders in spiritual things. It justifies us, and so

removes mountains of guilt, never to rise up in judgment against

us. It purifies the heart, and so removes mountains of

corruption, and makes them plain before the grace of God. One

great errand to the throne of grace is to pray for the pardon of

our sins; and care about this ought to be our daily concern. 27-33 Our Saviour shows how near akin his doctrine and baptism

were to those of John; they had the same design and tendency, to

bring in the gospel kingdom. These elders did not deserve to be

taught; for it was plain that they contended not for truth, but

victory: nor did he need to tell them; for the works he did,

told them plainly he had authority from God; since no man could

do the miracles which he did, unless God were with him.