The Temple & a Fig Tree

Mark 11:1-33

Icebreaker - Have you ever felt pressure to look good or play the part of someone you’re not?

1. Read vv.1-14. What do you think it would have been like to witness Jesus riding into the city on a colt? Would you have participated with the crowd?
   

2. On the initial reading of these verses, what imagery comes to mind about Jesus or the fig tree?
   

3. Read vv.15-19. This passage reveals God’s heart toward the poor and the Gentiles (non-Jews). It also speaks of judgment against the greedy and powerful. How would you explain these verses to a child or someone unfamiliar with the Bible?
   

4. Read vv.20-25. Why are prayer and forgiveness essential to Christianity?
   

5. Concerning prayer, how would you describe your awareness of daily need in spending time with God?
   

6. Concerning forgiveness, is there anyone you’re currently struggling to forgive? What have you done about this?
   

7. Why is the New Testament teaching of God’s presence in the Temple so significant to the Church today? (Read Ephesians 2:14-22 and 1 Peter 2:4-10)