Warrior Hero - Mark 11 - October 4, 2009

Bible Study Lesson – Warrior Hero – October 4, 2009

This is study five (5) in our series “Know Jesus.”

We continue in the Book of Mark for the next four (4) weeks with a focus on “Discipleship”.

Our scripture for today’s study is Mark 11:12-25 and it focuses upon JESUS taking on the Jewish religious establishment, thus “Warrior Hero.”

When I was growing up, being a Christian was often looked upon as being a wimp or a sissy. But it takes faith and courage to become a Christian. When the world looks at the Christian living the Christian life it can take on many different forms because those who call themselves Christian conduct their lives differently. It can be positive or negative. Some can give the appearance of being pious, self-righteous or legalistic, which can turn some people off. Some Christians may be like the fig tree, which we will discuss in today’s study. They are all show but no substance or fruit. We as Christians can go through the motions of being a Christian without really knowing the presence and power of CHRIST in our lives. A person must be born-again into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian and not becoming a member of a certain church. Being an active member of a church that preaches the truth about CHRIST is vital to help believers grow and mature in CHRIST. When believers become a member of GOD’S family they also get family traits and family benefits. Believers are indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT WHO opens the eyes of their hearts to be able to comprehend, see and understand truth. It is all about a believer’s relationship through CHRIST with GOD their FATHER. The veil of spiritual obscurity is lifted as believers build a more intimate, knowing relationship with CHRIST, which is the process of sanctification.

The events we will study today take place during the Passover Week in Jerusalem. It is also referred to as the Passion Week because JESUS will be crucified on Friday of this week. JESUS was in the final week of HIS earthly ministry.

JESUS was staying in Bethany, which was located about two (2) miles southeast of Jerusalem. Bethany was where Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived. JESUS was likely staying with them and walked the two (2) miles each day to Jerusalem.

Let’s read Mark 11:12-14, 20-21:

The Barren Fig Tree Is Cursed
12 The next day when they came out from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 After seeing in the distance a fig tree with leaves, He went to find out if there was anything on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!”[3] Jr 8:13 And His disciples heard it.

JESUS went to the temple and cleansed it. We will discuss this later.

The Barren Fig Tree Is Withered

20 Early in the morning, as they were passing by, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 21 Then Peter remembered and said to Him, “• Rabbi, look! The fig tree that You cursed is withered.”

This incident with the fig tree, gives us a lot to think about. JESUS was hungry and on HIS way to Jerusalem. HE saw a fig tree with leaves. When a fig tree had leaves that was a tell-tell sign that it had some form of edible figs. This was the week of Passover, which was in the month of April. Fig season was in July and August. JESUS went to see if the fig tree had figs. This was not fig season, yet JESUS condemned the fig tree. HE knew that figs could come early in the form of a small fig or sprout. I understand that the sprout was edible. But this leafy fig tree had no fruit. So why did JESUS get upset?

The fact that the fig tree did not have fruit was no fault of the fig tree but it had produced leaves. This was the point of concern for JESUS. The fig tree gave the appearance of having something of value but it didn’t. The fact it had leaves was misleading for someone seeking to find food. JESUS likened this to the Jewish religious system. The Jewish religion appeared to offer spiritual food for those seeking GOD and the truth but the Jewish religious system was a sham. JESUS knew that GOD had led the prophets to use the fig tree as a symbol for Israel.

Jeremiah 8:13:

13 I will gather them and bring them to an end.[14] Lit Gathering I will end them [15] Zph 1:2 [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord’s declaration. There will be no grapes on the vine, no figs on the fig tree, and even the leaf will wither. Whatever I have given them will be lost to them.

Hosea 9:10, 16-17:

10 I discovered Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers like the first fruit of the fig tree in its first season. But they went to Baal–peor,[4] Nm 25:1–9 consecrated themselves to Shame,[5] = a Hb term of derision for Baal and became detestable, like the thing they loved.

16 Ephraim is blighted; their roots are withered; they cannot bear fruit. Even if they bear children, I will kill the precious offspring of their wombs. 17 My God will reject them because they have not listened to Him; they will become wanderers among the nations.

Micah 7:1:

Israel’s Moral Decline
1 How sad for me! For I am like one who— when the summer fruit has been gathered after the gleaning of the grape harvest— [finds]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. no grape cluster to eat, no early fig, which I crave.[1] Isa 28:4

When JESUS saw the leafy fig tree was HE hoping to find figs, not because HE was hungry, but because it would be a sign that there was hope for Israel? The absence of figs confirmed what HE already knew, Israel was spiritually dead. JESUS knew the scriptures. HIS disciples also knew the scriptures and the connection JESUS had made by their statement “HIS disciples heard it.”

Some Bible scholars believe this is why Mark went from JESUS condemning the fig tree to HIM cleansing the temple. Mark wanted his readers to know that the disciples had figured out what JESUS was saying. They “heard it” and made the connection. The barren fig tree was an example of Jewish religion. The Jews had plenty of form, rules, laws, regulations and rituals but no substance. People were starving for spiritual food.

Early the next morning JESUS and HIS disciples are walking back to Jerusalem and Peter brought attention to the fig tree that JESUS had condemned. The fig tree was, in essence, dead from its roots up. Given the fact that the fig tree represented Israel, it was clear that the Jewish religious system was dead, roots and all. There was no hope to revive it but a new hope was about to begin.

A new day was coming in just a few days. JESUS’ death, burial and resurrection would be the foundation to replace the Jewish system of animal sacrifice. JESUS would be the perfect lamb sacrificed for the sins of mankind. After HIS resurrection, JESUS was seen by over 500 people before HE ascended into heaven to sit at the right-hand of the FATHER. Once HE was in heaven, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to indwell all believers. HIS death, resurrection and ascension had made ready the believers’ body to receive the HOLY SPIRIT. The shed blood of CHRIST made HOLY the body for all who believe.

Believers know the truth and represent CHRIST to others. Will those who hungry for spiritual food find fruit on our tree or are we just playing the game of being a Christian? So how do believers produce fruit?

JESUS gave us a wonderful example in John 15:5-8:

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be[1] Or and become My disciples.

It is all about relationship – a believer’s relationship with CHRIST. Are you grafted into the vine? When you are grafted into the vine, you do not have to struggle producing fruit. You will produce fruit. Focus on the relationship and seeking to know HIM. Let the life and power of CHRIST flow through you.

Let’s read Mark 11:15-19:

Cleansing the Temple Complex – This follows JESUS condemning the fig tree.

15 They came to Jerusalem, and He went into the temple complex and began to throw out those buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the money changers’ tables and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple complex. 17 Then He began to teach them: “Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?[4] Isaiah 56:7 But you have made it a den of thieves!”[5] Jr 7:11 18 Then the • chief priests and the • scribes heard it and started looking for a way to destroy Him. For they were afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was astonished by His teaching.

JESUS went to the temple. HE had just seen the barren fig tree, which likely reminded HIM of the poor spiritual state the Jews and the converts to Judaism were in. HE went to the temple which was begun by Herod the Great about 19 B.C. The temple was not completed until 64 A.D. but it was useable in JESUS’ day. It was like a thoroughfare. People were using the outer court of temple area, the Gentile area, as a cut-through to get from one side to the other. There was chaos.

The temple complex covered about 30 acres. It had the (1) Holy of Holies where the priest could enter only once per year after sacrificing an animal for his own sins. The Holy of Holies was separated by a curtain from the (2) Holy Place which the priest could enter daily to burn incense as a symbol of the prayers of the people. Next was the (3) Court of the Priests where sacrifices were offered. Then there were three (3) courts:

(1) Court of Israel where circumcised Jewish men could congregate.

(2) Court of Women for Jewish women. This was also where the temple treasury was located and gifts could be deposited.

(3) Outermost court was for the Gentiles. The outermost court was the largest part of the temple complex. This was where all the activity took place for selling animals for sacrifice and the exchanging money. This area was about 25 acres. Some scholars believe that the exchange area had been near this court but that it had been moved to the area where the Gentiles gathered during the life of JESUS. This added fuel to the fire because it became a gigantic market place or jockey lot. Money from the Romans or Greeks had an image on them and had to be exchanged for a special Jewish coin called the Tyrian* shekel to pay the temple tax, which oddly also had a pagan image. Of course, there was a service charge for this exchange. The priests had their hands out for their cut of the exchange fee. Some worshipers may have brought animals for sacrifice but their animals had to be inspected to qualify as being acceptable for sacrifice. If their animal did not pass inspection, would-be worshippers had to exchange their animals for acceptable animals, of course for a fee. The exchanged rejected animal would become an acceptable animal for those who did not bring an animal for sacrifice and had to purchase an animal on site, of course for a fee. It was a lucrative business for the merchants and the priests. Worship was all about business and those seeking GOD were being robbed. No wonder JESUS cleaned house.

*The Tyrian shekel was minted in the city of Tyre about 125 BC. Hiram, king of Tyre provided the materials and artisans to help Solomon build the first temple in Jerusalem. The Tyrian shekel had the image of a pagan deity (Melqarth-Herakles) on its face and an image of an eagle on the back. Melqarth was the god of the Phoenicians or Baal, who was related to Hercules or Herakles. This became the coin used to pay the temple tax and was still being used up until about 69 A.D. The Tyrian shekel paid the tax for two (2) people and a half-shekel paid the tax for one (1) person.

JESUS called the merchants and money changers a “den of thieves” because they were taking advantage of the people. HE became angry and cleared the area. You can only imagine how quickly the word spread to the local religious leaders of JESUS’ actions. JESUS was a threat to the lucrative religious system. HE had to go. The religious leaders began to plot to get rid of HIM but they had to be careful because the people were “astonished with HIS teaching.” The people were aware of the corruption in the religious system but they had no choice. They wanted to worship the true GOD of Israel. The system had plenty of show but no substance.

Let’s read Mark 11:22-26: (This scripture follows Peter’s reference to the withered fig tree.)

22 Jesus replied to them, “Have faith in God. 23 • I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore, I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received[6] Other mss read you receive; other mss read you will receive them, and you will have them. 25 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.[7] These are the only uses of this word in Mk. It means “the violation of the Law” or “stepping over a boundary” or “departing from the path” or “trespass.” [ 26 But if you don’t forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your wrongdoing.”][8] Other mss omit bracketed text

Peter had just commented to JESUS about the fig tree HE had cursed the day before. Peter was impressed with the power of JESUS words. JESUS drew their attention to the power of GOD. HE told them that the fig tree withering and dying was nothing compared to what was possible when you place your faith and trust in GOD.

We have to be careful. It seems that believers have special magical powers at their command. We must keep in mind that it is our faith in GOD and it is HIS power that moves the mountains in our lives. Notice the words of JESUS “believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” GOD has confirmed in the heart of the person that what he/she has requested is according to GOD’S plan and it is a done deal. GOD will do it. However, GOD decides how, when and where HIS power will be used. It is all about knowing GOD and obedience.

GOD instructed Moses to speak to the rock for water. Instead Moses struck the rock with his staff. Water came forth out of the rock but at a severe cost to Moses because he was disobedient. It cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land.

Numbers 20:6-13:

6 Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting. They fell down with their faces [to the ground]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. , and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. 7 The Lord spoke to Moses, 8 “Take the staff[5] Nm 17:8; Ex 4:2–5; 17:4–9 and assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water for them from the rock and provide drink for the community and their livestock.” 9 So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence[6] Nm 17:10 just as He had commanded him. 10 Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we (ego) bring water out of this rock for you?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.[7] Ex 17:6; Ps 78:15; 1 Co 10:4 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.”[8] Nm 27:12–14 13 These are the waters of Meribah,[9] = quarreling [10] Nm 27:14; Ex 17:7; Dt 32:51; Ps 95:8; 106:32 where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord, and He showed His holiness to them.

JESUS was not giving believers’ carte blanche to go into the “earth moving” business by commanding mountains to jump into the sea. But HE was saying when believers have faith in GOD, no matter what comes their way GOD will help them. It is vital to focus on the mountain mover, GOD. It is not the believer generating enough faith so the mountain will move. It is the believer having faith in GOD, WHO has confirmed in his/her heart that what has been requested will be done. There is a fine line.

Our faith in GOD is based upon us truly knowing GOD. Yes, we have utmost confidence and trust that GOD can do all things. But has GOD confirmed in our hearts that what we are requesting HE will do or do we hope HE will do?

What does it mean to have faith? Our thoughts turn to, “Do we have to have enough faith in GOD that so-and-so will happen?” We have to have faith in GOD because HE is the source of the power to make a certain thing happen. The Greek word used for faith refers to trust and a firm conviction that something is true. It is not trying to believe long and hard enough that a false concept will become true. We can look at salt in a salt shaker and hope and pray that it will become pepper. Can GOD turn salt in the shaker into pepper? YES, but only because HE wants the salt converted to pepper for HIS glory, honor, plan and purpose. A believer must have faith in GOD that HE can turn salt into pepper or any situation into a different situation, if HE chooses and it is according to HIS will.

I am convinced when a believer is in right relationship with GOD, whatever he/she asks will be done. It is because he/she has such a relationship with GOD through CHRIST that what is requested comes from a knowing that GOD approves. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2:

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)

When a believer is in right relationship through the renewing of his/her mind, it brings his/her requests in harmony with GOD’S will.

Just because we have absolute confidence in GOD and believe that HE can provide what we request does not mean that HE will grant our request. However, when HE confirms in our heart that what we have requested will be done, it will be. There is a very fine line between hoping and knowing.