A Withered Fig Tree and Some Angry Priests

Mark 11:12-24

I. Introduction:

(introduce yourself) This morning we take a closer look at one of the stories taught in Sunday school quite frequently. What was the significance of the Temple cleansing and why did Jesus create such uproar?

II. Background information

A. The passion week

1. This was the last week of Jesus’ life on Earth.

2. Jesus was preparing himself and his disciples for his imminent death.

3. This was all a part of God’s plan for salvation.

B. The triumphal entry

1. Mark 11:1-11 (read vs. 8-10)

2. Jesus was being hailed as a hero.

a. The Jews were looking for someone to save them from the ruling Roman government.

b. Jesus had not come to save the physical world, but the spirits of those who believed in him.

c. Jesus was concerned with the condition of men’s hearts.

3. Once again, the Jews missed the point.

III. Temple Cleansing

A. The merchants were aiding the sacrificial system.

1. When pilgrims came to Jerusalem to sacrifice, they wouldn’t have to bring their animals with them the entire way or buy them from venders in the city.

2. Also, they would need to exchange their currency for the currency used in the temple for offerings.

3. A common misconception is that they were selling animals INSIDE the temple building itself.

a. The temple consisted of a complex of courts and buildings.

b. Most sacrifices occurred outside of the building where the altar of burnt offering stood.

c. There was a huge enclosed plaza in the outer court where the venders sold the animals for burnt offerings.

d. Only high-ranking priests could enter the temple building itself.

B. The Jews had turned the sacrificial system into a place of business.

1. They did not have the right heart, and therefore were no longer doing a service to God, but to themselves.

2. 1Sa 15:22 “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.”

3. They turned the “House of Prayer” into a “Den of Thieves.”

IV. What is the connection between the temple cleansing and the withered fig tree?

A. Jesus was demonstrating that the religious practices of the day had become so corrupt, that they must be replaced.

1. They were no longer concerned with true worship, but simply an outward show of religion.

2. They were in it for personal gain.

B. So what does that have to do with us?

1. Too many Christians are Sunday morning Christians.

2. Too many Christians are religious.

3. Remember another instance where man’s heart was corrupt?

a. Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart[was] only evil continually.

b. What was the result of this? Destruction.

4. Jesus is coming back soon to take his people home.

a. What is the state of your worship?

b. Are you just going through the motions?

c. Using Christianity to uplift yourself?

V. Conclusion:

We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. None is righteous, no not one. But God can forgive you and heal you. He’s not concerned with your mistakes, but your heart. Will you submit to his will today and make him the center of your life?