By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
CLEARS
Mark 11:15–25
Zealous (15–17)
As Jesus entered the temple, He was confronted with the racket that had become “worship.” For the Passover, thousands of people from all over the known world would travel to Jerusalem.
Worshippers were supposed to have offerings to give, including animals for sacrifice. Instead of hauling livestock over land and sea for miles and miles, it was easier and more convenient to purchase the offering once in Jerusalem.
This was an acceptable practice; however, those in charge had used this as a means to carry out price gouging. When Jesus saw this, He was outraged and cleared the temple. It is one of the few times when we see Jesus’ righteous anger unleashed.
Jesus’ actions show us that He takes worship seriously, and those who hinder us from worship will receive God’s wrath.
There are preachers today who try to take money from the laity by manipulating the believers into giving them money that they use for ungodly purposes. Christians need to be wise as snakes (Matt. 10:16) so that we are not taken advantage of and so we can be sure that we are supporting ministries that are truly honoring the Lord.
This event is recorded in each of the Gospels. In John, the event takes place early in the Gospel, leading many scholars to believe that Jesus did this at least twice.
Jealous (18–19)
Most of the time when people in power are threatened, they lash out to solidify their positions. The religious leaders in Jesus’ day were no different. Jesus was a threat to their way of life, and they saw Him as a thorn in their side. By killing Him, they believed they would be rid of His influence.
However, it was all a part of God’s plan. Christ was supposed to die; it is why He came. The religious leaders were just the means by which this would happen.
A lesson to be learned from this is twofold. First of all, if we see corruption or sinful activity within our churches, we need to call it out and expose it. Of course, we need to follow the formula laid out in Matthew 18:15–17. Second, we need to avoid becoming defensive if others confront us about our own sinful attitudes and actions. Having our sin pointed out to us helps us recalibrate and confess our sins, putting us back in a right relationship with God
Miraculous (20–25)
The fig tree Jesus had cursed was withered, confirming Jesus’ miracle. The disciples were amazed, but Jesus told them that God answers our prayers and that we need faith to believe this.
However, there are two caveats. The first is that we need to ask according to God’s will (1 John 5:14). If we are truly following Jesus, then we only ask for things that bring Him honor and glory. The Lord’s prayer is a good model to follow.
Second, Jesus says we need to forgive others in order for God to forgive us. Salvation is the ultimate act of forgiveness bestowed upon us. If God loves us so much that He sent Christ to die for us while we were still His enemies (Rom. 5:8), how much more should we be willing to forgive those who sin against us? It is one of the ultimate testimonies of God’s love for others when we forgive those who sin against us, even when they do not show contrition.
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