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23. A Tree Without Fruit

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.

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23. A Tree Without Fruit

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

  2. 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

  3. 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!

  4. 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

  5. 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

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

  7. 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

  8. 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.

  9. 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

  10. 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”

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