Bible Chapter: Mark 11

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Mark 11 starts out with the Triumphal Entry.  This begins the last week before the crucifixion.  The crowds cheered, but soon they turned on Him.  As Jesus entered Jerusalem the next day, He went to the temple. There we learn a lesson about God’s house.  Jesus said it is to be a house of prayer for all nations.  They were making it den of robbers.  Jesus’ zeal for righteousness and holiness in God’s house is clearly seen.  What is the church to be?  It is to be a holy place where people seek and find God.  Prayer is a central part of what it is to be.  God’s house has been and continues to be profaned by those making it many other things.  Some use it for social advancement or business purposes.  To some it is a place of entertainment.  God designed it as a place to connect with Him.
    We find here another lesson in faith.  Faith in our hearts that comes from God will move mountains.  Jesus included a lesson in increasing our faith through forgiveness.  He said that while you are praying “If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him”.  Forgiving sets us free and increases our connection with God.
    This chapter includes another attempt to trap Jesus.  We see an important insight here.  Jesus didn’t simply answer their question. There are times when people try to trap a believer in a discussion where there is no exit or solution.  Jesus recognized that situation here and refused to answer their question.  This is a good lesson for us.  Jesus never shied away from any issue, but He also didn’t let the scoffers define the issue.  Let God guide all our discussions.

2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Prayer is a key part of my involvement in church.  I have learned that praying with other people is very beneficial.  I need to keep on praying and participating with other believers as much as possible.  This will help my connection with God and my faith to grow.  It will help my righteousness to increase and God-honoring holiness to mature.  In this chapter there is an illustration of a withered fig tree.  Jesus used this to show us that anything is possible with God.  We are to continue to stretch spiritually to see God do the things that are considered impossible.

3.  How can I help someone?
    When discussions come up regarding church, there are many who don’t understand the purpose of the local church.  Our self-centered culture has infected the church to make it all about me.  The services, music style, preaching style, fellowship style, everything needs to be about me.  “They don’t meet my needs” is a common statement these days.  Which usually precedes “I’m outa here”.  This misses the point that the Bible says over and over that we are to be servants.  We are here to serve the Lord and other people.  If I can truly apply a life of service and help others recognize the same for their lives, I will have helped them.