Reflection on Mark 11

Mark 11: 1-11

Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.
Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. (VS. 8-11).

Jesus is the BETTER conqueror: Whose triumphal entry into Jerusalem doesn't destroy the people of the city but rescues them from eternal destruction through the temporal destruction of his own life.

Mark 11: 12-19

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves,

and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.

And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’ ”

(vs. 15-17)

Jesus is the BETTER worshiper: He shows us that right relationship with God is not creating an economical and political temple system but is reverently loving God through prayer and action.

Mark 11: 20-26

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.

“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (vs. 22-26)

Jesus is the BETTER pray-er.

Jesus shows us the BETTER prayer of faith: Which does not doubt the God who answers prayer.

Jesus also shows us a BETTER way to pray: By first cleansing sins from our hearts through confession, especially holding grudges, un-forgiveness and bitterness...which hinder our prayers and DO NOT reflect how we want God to treat us when we ourselves sin against him.

Mark 11: 27-33

They arrived again in Jerusalem, and while Jesus was walking in the temple courts, the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders came to him.“By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?”
Jesus replied,“I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!”
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”
Jesus said,“Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
(vs.27-33)

Jesus shows us a BETTER way to confidently address questions about inherent authority.

He does not point to His own authority but points to God's authority, therefore glorifying God.