23. A Tree Without Fruit Mark 11:1-33 p. 934-5

1. Authority A loud symbolic entrance into the city From Bethany/Bethphage – 2 miles to Jerusalem On a donkey foal (Zech 9:9) Cheering Crowd: “Hosanna” (“save us”) “Kingdom of our Father David” – not a common phrase. Crowd: not inhabitants of Jerusalem (Followers) Jerusalem not interested ?? Their whole religion (practice) was fatally flawed

1. Authority ... We should take time for careful reflection Temple religion no longer served the purposes of God Comfortable ... Profitable ... Self-serving It is a common temptation!

2. Fruit Across the Valley: Herod’s magnificent Temple Hides – dead faith A Fig tree with beautiful green leaves: Fig trees produce fruit buds before leaves (called “paggim”) An Enacted Parable: Fig tree represents the Jewish temple religion & leaders

2. Fruit ... Supposed to be a “place of prayer for all nations” Became a huge marketplace (30+ acres) It was big business Jesus acts in Judgment on the Temple (Jer. 7:9- 11) Not a “cleansing of the temple” – Judgment Temple is no longer part of the worship of Yhwh

2. Fruit ... Fruit is important in Jesus’ teaching (Matt 7:16- 20) Reflect carefully on the fruit we bear for God. Linked to faith

3. Faith Withered fig tree gives Jesus opportunity to talk Faith. Through the Gospel – Issue of human faith Healings: “your faith has healed you” (e.g. 5:34, 10:52) Without faith God’s activity stops (e.g. 6:6, 9:19) Faith actuates the mighty acts of God God is God and I am not Based in the will and purposes of God

3. Faith ... Jesus’ authority located in himself: “I say to you” Tells people how to understand Scripture (2: 18, 27; 10:5) Religious leaders challenge: “by what authority” (v 28) The issue of John the Baptist His preaching should be heeded: “one more powerful” (1:7) Their ability to identify Jesus based on John’s identity.

3. Faith ... Issues of authority, fruit & faith come together Their discussion based exclusively on political expediency Nothing to do with truth They will not allow God to disrupt them

Authority ... Faith ... Fruit It is possible to be religious in practice but dead to faith Seeking religious experience but no submission, holiness ... A Call to live by faith: Can even command mountains See amazing fruit and amazing miracles Live in “obedience of faith” and “power of the Spirit”