03.19 Sermon Notes
March 17, 2023

“Nothing… But Leaves” – The Fig Tree Withered

Mark 11:1-12:44

Mark’s “sandwich”

Cursing of fig tree
Cleansing of temple
Return to cursing of fig tree

Herod’s Temple – Four Parts

Court of the Gentiles – by far the largest 500 yards x 350 yards (35 acres)
Court of the Jews
Court of the women
Holy of Holies

Court of the Gentiles

Sanhedrin/”religious leaders” - trying to keep Gentiles OUT
Jesus is bringing Gentiles IN
Place where non-Jews could congregate.
Promise to Abraham – a blessing to ALL nations!
Court of the Gentiles – a house of prayer for ALL NATIONS/now a den of thieves

Following the Cleansing of the Temple – Confrontations from the Religious Leaders

11:18 (scribes/chief priests) Sought how they might destroy Him
11:27 (chief priests/scribes/elders) By what authority?
12:1-11 Parable of the wicked vinedressers
12:12 Sought to lay hands on Him – Knew parable against them!
12:13-17 (Pharisees/Herodians) Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?
12:18-27 (Sadducees) Marriage in the afterlife
12:24 – You are mistaken – You do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God
12:27 – You are greatly mistaken


Discussion questions from Mark 11, 12 (John 15)

  1. What are some factors in our daily life and interactions with others that tempt us to try to display more “leafs” (the “appearance” of spirituality) in order to hide from others our lack of true spiritual “fruit?” Why is it so difficult to be authentic and transparent in our journey of growing in Christ?

  2. Where are you in the pruning process? (John 15)

    “does not bear fruit” – are you at a place where the Father is “lifting up” and exposing areas in your life that is causing you spiritual decay in order for Him to repair and clean so that you will produce spiritual fruit
    “bears fruit” - are you at a place where the Father is “pruning” or “cutting out” of your life some “good” things in order for you to produce more fruit of the Spirit
    “more fruit” – are you at a place where you believe you are “abiding” in the Father in order to be producing “much” spiritual fruit. How do you maintain a lifestyle of “abiding” in Christ

  3. HOW do you endeavor to love the LORD with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mid and ALL your strength? What are the actions you do in order to cultivate this type of relationship with the Lord?