As we move toward the celebration of Christ’s resurrection (this year in late March), we are progressing in the Gospel of Mark to the beginning of Holy Week. This week’s message is entitled “The Entry Into Jerusalem And Ensuing Conflict.”
Text: Mark 11:1-33; Matthew 21:1; Luke 19:29
Introduction: Last time we saw Jesus passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. In Jericho, Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus, revealing again His power to meet the needs of those who seek Him.
Today we see Him arriving in Jerusalem and making an entry in a manner like the coming of the Messiah and King of Israel would make. Although He is hailed as a coming Messiah, we will see that the faith of the multitude is superficial at best and indicative of the spiritual condition of the nation at the time. In this portion, Mark shows us the nature and result of superficial faith, along with the added insight by Jesus Christ on what genuine faith in God looks like. Let’s see what we can learn today and examine what lessons can be applied to us.
I. The entry into Jerusalem and Superficial Acclaim by the Multitude
Mark 11:1-11; Matthew 21:1; Luke 19:29
In the event commonly known as Palm Sunday, the multitude in Jerusalem shouts “hosanna” (meaning “save now”), and acclaim Jesus as the Messiah — so long as He will be the Messiah they are expecting — the One who delivers them from Roman oppression. This is at best a superficial acclaim and one that will be proven as such in less than a week.
II. The Cursing of the Fig Tree and Symbolism of Israel’s True Condition
Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18
As Jesus and His disciples approach Jerusalem, a tree is found that appears to be productive, but it bears no fruit. Jesus curses the tree, and the next day it is found withered. The fig tree represented Israel at the time; they LOOKED fruitful with their religious leaders, their strict adherence to Jewish law, and the Temple. But their hearts were far from God. This same condition can be found in a great many Christian churches in the Western World today.
III. The Cleansing of the Temple and Evidence of Israel’s True Condition
Mark 11:15-19; Matthew 21:12; Luke 19:45
In those days, there was lots of activity in the Temple area. With pilgrims coming from throughout the Roman Empire to celebrate the passover and offer sacrifices, there were numerous merchants selling animals for sacrifice, and money changers available to convert to the proper currency to do business there. Jesus turned over the tables and kicked out the merchants, not so much because they were there, but because they were part of a corrupt practice — the main beneficiaries of which were the high priests and other leaders.
Jesus’ actions revealed the true condition of the religious leaders of His day — inwardly corrupt and just as greedy as the leaders of any other Gentile nation. This is also the condition of many of today’s churches (mega-church televangelists come to mind) whose aim is to enrich themselves and build larger and larger buildings, rather than saving the lost, which should always be our #1 mission.
IV. The Contrast Between Superficial and Genuine Faith
Mark 11:20-26; Matthew 21:19, 17:20; Luke 17:6
Verse 22 is the key — “have faith in God.”
Genuine faith means TRUE belief in God, so much so that you could toss the mountain into the sea. It also means having a spirit of forgiveness; a true heart and willingness to forgive as the Father has forgiven us.
V. The Confrontation with the Leaders of the Nation and the Questioning of Christ’s Authority
Mark 11:27-33; Matthew 21:23; Luke 20:1
The leaders of the nation question Jesus and ask by what authority He has the right to cleanse the Temple. Jesus responds as He often does with a question of His own about John (the Baptist’s) baptism. The leaders are unable to answer the question posed by Jesus, but the question reveals what hypocrites they truly are.
Lessons To Learn
1. Outward acclaim does not in itself equate with genuine faith. This has to do with ‘head vs. heart’ knowledge. Many profess a belief in God and even know much Scripture, but has it truly penetrated their hearts?
2. It is possible to appear alive yet be dead inwardly and unfruitful. We can show up for church wearing our ‘Sunday best’ and say all the right things, but are we bearing the fruits of a true Christian?
3. Superficial faith evolves into convenient and selfish religious practices. We see this today in the ongoing effort throughout much of Christianity to make things easier for people to come to church. This is often referred to as the ‘seeker sensitive’ movement. Many churches act much more like advertising/marketing agencies — trying to develop a campaign to attract more people, often by making compromises in the faith.
Be aware of churches that make fundamental changes (like more popular music, for example), just to please the world. The end goal becomes building a larger congregation rather than saving the lost, and this is the result of a church that had superficial faith to begin with.
4. Genuine faith is accompanied by great confidence in God and a forgiving spirit. A true believer always loves and forgives and has great faith in Christ. Faith and love truly are the pillars of the heart of a Christian.
5. Externally religious people always question God’s authority. God is the author of everything in the universe, and a person of genuine faith realizes that without Him, we are nothing. Therefore, we do not question God’s authority.
Watch for people that seek to ‘debate’ God’s word, rather than learn and profit from it. There is nothing wrong with occasional disagreements on minor points, but if a person’s main focus is to try and poke holes into God’s word (authority), you have to seriously question how genuine their faith is.