A. Jesus’ formal presentation to Israel 11:1-26Mark chose to record four events: the Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11), the cursing of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14), the cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-19), and the lesson of the cursed fig tree (Mark 11:20-25). These events happened on three successive days (Monday through Wednesday) as the writer noted. read more
2. Jesus’ condemnation of unbelieving Israel 11:12-26This incident is the first part of another of Mark’s interrupted stories (cf. Mark 3:20-35; Mark 5:21-43; Mark 6:7-31). Its structure provides the key to its interpretation. First, Jesus cursed the fig tree. Then He cleansed the temple. Finally He came back to the fig tree with a lesson for the disciples. There is unity of subject matter in the whole section. The chiastic arrangement highlights the central element as being most revealing. read more
The lesson of the withered fig tree 11:20-26 (cf. Matthew 21:19-22)This is the third part of the incident centering on the cleansing of the temple (cf. Mark 11:12-14). read more
Faith in God is not the only condition for answered prayer. One must also forgive his or her fellow human beings. The Jews commonly stood when they prayed (cf. 1 Samuel 1:26; Luke 18:11; Luke 18:13). Forgiving our brothers and sisters is a precondition for obtaining family forgiveness from the Father (Matthew 6:14-15). This is the only place in Mark where Jesus referred to the disciples’ Father in heaven. This may have reminded them of His teaching in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-15; Luke... read more
This verse does not appear in the most important ancient manuscripts of Mark’s Gospel. Evidently scribes inserted it later because they associated the preceding verse with Matthew 6:14. read more
The chief priests, teachers or scribes, and elders constituted the three components of the Sanhedrin. This was a very official inquiry prompted by Jesus’ presence and made necessary by His cleansing of the temple. Israel’s official leaders wanted to know about Jesus’ credentials and who gave Him the right to say and do what He did. They questioned the nature and source of His authority. Their questions were legitimate since they were responsible for supervising Israel’s religious life. Yet... read more
The authority of John the Baptist 11:27-33 (cf. Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8) read more
B. Jesus’ teaching in the temple 11:27-12:44This entire section contains Jesus’ teaching in the temple courtyard on Wednesday. The religious leaders first questioned Jesus’ authority (Mark 11:12 to Mark 12:12) and then His teaching (Mark 12:13-37). Finally Jesus condemned their hypocrisy and commended a widow’s action that demonstrated reality (Mark 12:38-44). Jesus functioned as a faithful servant of the Lord in the role of a prophet here. read more
11:25 offences. (c-27) Trespasses. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Mark 11:25
25. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses, c.—This is repeated from the Sermon on the Mount (see on :-) to remind them that if this was necessary to the acceptableness of all prayer, much more when great things were to be asked and confidently expected. :-. THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED—HIS REPLY. ( = Matthew 21:23-27; Luke 20:1-8). See on :-. read more