Notes for the Readings for Monday, March 21, 2016
Mark 11:12-14: Very strange story about Jesus cursing a fig
tree. As you continue to read, note the other
references to the fig tree, further in this chapter and in chapter 13 during
tomorrow’s readings.
Mark 11: 15-19: Passover saw a massive influx of pilgrims
coming to Jerusalem from all over the empire.
Two things they did not often have were the right money or a proper
sacrifice. Money of the Roman Empire had
the image of the Emperor. That was no
good in the temple, according to applications of the law of Moses. So, for the convenience of visitors, money-changers
would provide them with the proper funds.
The Temple still required animal sacrifice. Carrying a couple of doves from the far
reaches of the Empire was impractical.
Better to get them locally.
The implication is that the Temple had become a place of
religious commerce, with huge fees for money changing and very expensive
sacrificial doves. The Temple leadership
most assuredly received a cut. Jesus is
reacting against this.
Note: verse 18-they want to kill him!
Mark 11:20-25: Round two with the Fig
Tree. Is it simply a demonstration of
the power of faith? Note what can be
asked of God in faith. It is pretty
amazing.
Mark 11: 27-33: Making an authority figure
look like a fool is a sure way to make an enemy. The chief priests, the scribes, and the
elders are the senior religious leadership of the Jews. How do you think they feel after this
exchange?
Mark 12: 1-12: Consider the parable as a
history of the Jewish faith. God is the
man who planted the vineyard, the tenants are these religious leaders, his
prophets were sent, finally his Son was sent.
And they figure it out.
Mark 12:12: The chief priests, scribes and
elders want to arrest him.
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