Mark 11
Mark 11 is part of “Ministry in Jerusalem” (11–13) in the outline of Mark.
Mark 11 summary
We are now come to the Passion-Week, the week in which Christ died, and the great occurrences of that week. I. Christ's riding in triumph into Jerusalem (Mar 11:1-11). II.
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We are now come to the Passion-Week, the week in which Christ died, and the great occurrences of that week. I. Christ's riding in triumph into Jerusalem (Mar 11:1-11). II. His cursing the barren fig-tree (Mar 11:12-14). III. His driving those out of the temple that turned it into an exchange (Mar 11:15-19). IV. His discourse with his disciples concerning the power of faith and the efficacy of prayer, on occasion of the withering of the fig-tree he cursed (Mar 11:20-26). V. His reply to those who questioned his authority (Mar 11:27-33).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Mark 11
Mark 11 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
The Triumphal Entry
1And when they draw nigh unto Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth two of his disciples, 2and saith unto them, Go your way into the village that is over against you: and straightway as ye enter into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat; loose him, and bring him. 3And if any one say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye, The Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him back hither. 4And they went away, and found a colt tied at the door without in the open street; and they loose him. 5And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 6And they said unto them even as Jesus had said: and they let them go. 7And they bring the colt unto Jesus, and cast on him their garments; and he sat upon him. 8And many spread their garments upon the way; and others branches, which they had cut from the fields. 9And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, Hosanna; Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10Blessed [is] the kingdom that cometh, [the kingdom] of our father David: Hosanna in the highest. 11And he entered into Jerusalem, into the temple; and when he had looked round about upon all things, it being now eventide, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
12And on the morrow, when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered. 13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs. 14And he answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit from thee henceforward for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
15And they come to Jerusalem: and he entered into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and them that bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold the doves; 16and he would not suffer that any man should carry a vessel through the temple. 17And he taught, and said unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? but ye have made it a den of robbers. 18And the chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, for all the multitude was astonished at his teaching. 19And every evening he went forth out of the city.
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
20And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots. 21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. 22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
The Authority of Jesus Questioned
27And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders; 28and they said unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? or who gave thee this authority to do these things? 29And Jesus said unto them, I will ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or from men? answer me. 31And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him? 32But should we say, From men—they feared the people: for all verily held John to be a prophet. 33And they answered Jesus and say, We know not. And Jesus saith unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.