READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | Mark challenged his readers to address the question of who Jesus is. Who is Jesus to seekers and to church goers?
1) For Seekers
V1-11 (Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem)
What is your motivation to believe in Jesus? Do we wave palm leaves the way people wave flags at celebrities or at National Day Parades? In ancient times, such treatment was only given to kings on their victorious return from war, with the king riding on a magnificent warhorse. Jesus was getting a king’s treatment though he had not won any war. He was riding on a donkey, not a warhorse. He was famous but not quite a celebrity. Jesus matched the identity of a king in these ways – 1) donkeys were common and ancient kings do ride them (2 Sam 18:9, 1 Kings 33-48), 2) a king’s horse must never be ridden by anyone, 3) the colt bound and untied fulfilled messianic prophecies (Gen 49:10-11, Zech 9:9).
The people were shouting “hosanna!” (Aramaic expression which means help me, save me) as they thought Jesus was coming to establish the new kingdom of David over the kingship of Caesar (V10,11). It was a bold declaration to overthrow the very powerful Roman government. However, Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple before heading to Bethany outside Jerusalem. Their false hopes were dashed when Jesus surrendered to those who came to arrest him (Lk 24:2). Disappointed, those who shouted “hosanna!” also shouted “crucify him!” 3 days later.
Similarly, those who seek Jesus for self- gain will be disappointed. Jesus came to give a much greater hope of resurrection to eternal life with God. There will come a time when there is no more pain but not yet. Jesus fulfils ancient prophecies about the messiah, wins battle not through war but peace, in amazing and unexpected ways.
2) For Church Regulars
Who really is Jesus to you?
V15-18 (Jesus cleanses the temple)
The High Priest and Sanhedrin were very particular about how the temple was run. Gentiles were limited to the outer courts as only Jews were allowed to enter the temple for worship albeit in accordance with their social status. Merchants and money changers abused business practices to enrich themselves. Jesus was angry and likened the temple to a den of thieves. Mark’s message is that God’s house which is to be a place where people retreat to pray and have intimate relationship with God, has become a den which thieves retreat to after committing crimes. When we live a double-standard lives outside of church (Jer 7:1-15) with unrepentant hearts, returning to church on Sundays is likened to retreating to den for bandits (David Garland). God is watching how we worship. Do we treat church as a place where we make peace with God yet outside church we continue to sin?
V12-14,19-25 (Lessons from the fig tree)
The absence of fruit suggests the tree is rotting inside. Are we like the fig tree barren and sick from within? If we don’t do anything, we will wither like the fig tree. What kind of tree are you?
3) Caution and Affirmation
Caution:
a. Are you coming to Jesus because of benefits? Will you crucify him when trouble comes?
b. Are you living a double life, coming to church but unrepentant?
c. How are you living your life in relation to God?
Affirmation:
For believers, have faith in God, repent and turn from sin, believe in the Lord Jesus. Be a disciple who sees Jesus as the triumphal king worthy of everything. The best is yet to come. Be a tree that bears good fruit.
For seekers or unbelievers, watch and see as judgment will come, scriptures fulfilled and sin will be dealt with.The choice is yours.
(Sermon notes by Woo Choi Yin)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Think about the time when you first decided to believe in Jesus – what was your motivation to believe in Jesus? What about now – has the motivation changed?
- Read Mark 11:1-11, then followed by Genesis 49:10-11 & Zechariah 9:9. What are some insights you’ve observed? What is Jesus saying about himself? What kind of king is Jesus? How does this affect us/you?
- (v11) After entering in such a dramatic manner – it sounded anti-climax that Jesus didn’t do much but went out to Bethany (which is outside of the Jerusalem) – what are some possible reasons?
- Read Mark 11:15-18. What do you think Jesus was upset with? Look up Herod’s temple in the internet and research on where possibly these sales were made.
- What is “den of robbers/thieves”? Read Jeremiah 7:1-15 and discuss what was the context. What was God upset about through Jeremiah? What is Jesus saying about the Jews who were going to worship in the temple?
- Read Mark 11:12-14. Was Jesus harsh and unfair? Was he pronouncing a curse or stating a fact? Why did Mark put in between the 2 passages? What do you think Mark was trying to say? How are we like the fig tree?
- Read Mark 11:19-25. What is the warning here, but what is the assurance also? What are some convictions God is challenging you to? How should our worship be?
- How has this Lenten study helped you to draw near to God?
