Miraculous Demonstration of Jesus’ Authority. (4:35–5:43) Through overruling life-threatening obstacles of a raging sea, destructive demons, and serious physical illnesses, Jesus demonstrates to His disciples that He is the One who brings the hopes of the kingdom as he revealed Himself to be in the parables. (4:35--
5:43)
The Calming of a Storm and Sea. (4:35-41)
Mark 4:35 And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us
pass over unto the other side.
Mark 4:36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he
was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship,
so that it was now full.
Mark 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they
awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be
still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no
faith?
Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of
man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Setting: On the evening of the day when Jesus had spoken to the multitudes in parables he suggested that the disciples and He go over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.
(4:35) The disciples left the multitude and took Jesus along with them and other boats across the Sea of Galilee. (4:36) When a fierce wind arose and water began to fill the boat, the disciples awoke Jesus and asked Him whether He cared that they were all perishing. (4:37-38) Jesus arose, rebuked the wind, and commanded that the storm be muzzled, and the wind died down and the sea became perfectly calm. (4:39) Jesus then rebuked the disciples because they were fearful and did not have faith in who he was (as the parables had revealed). (4:40) The disciples then expressed their lack of understanding by being fearful of Jesus and wondering who He was who could rule over creation [cf. Ps. 33:7; 65:7; 77:16; Job 12:15]. (4:41) Psalm 33:7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the
depth in storehouses.
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Psalm 65:7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the
tumult of the people.
Life Threatening Exorcism and Cures by Jesus: On each side of the Sea of Galilee Jesus demonstrates to His apostles His ability to overrule life threatening attacks as He casts demons out of a man, heals a woman with a blood hemorrhage, and raises Jairus'
daughter from the dead. (5:1-43)
The Healing of a Gerasene Demoniac. (5:1-20)
Mark 5:1 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the
Gadarenes.
Mark 5:2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of
the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
Mark 5:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no,
not with chains:
Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the
chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither
could any man tame him.
Mark 5:5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs,
crying, and cutting himself with stones.
Mark 5:6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,
Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus,
thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.
Mark 5:8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.
Mark 5:9 And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name
is Legion: for we are many.
Mark 5:10 And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the
country.
Mark 5:11 Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine
feeding.
Mark 5:12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we
may enter into them.
Mark 5:13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out,
and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the
sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.
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Mark 5:14 And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country.
And they went out to see what it was that was done.
Mark 5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil,
and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
Mark 5:16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed
with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
Mark 5:17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
Mark 5:18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with
the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
Mark 5:19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy
friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had
compassion on thee.
Mark 5:20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things
Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
Setting: The disciples and Jesus came to the other side of the lake, and to the country of the Gadarenes. (5:1) A severely demonized man who dwelt among the tombs and was unrestrainable and self-destructive met Jesus when He came out of the boat. (5:2-5)
When the demonized man saw Jesus from a distance he ran, bowed down and asked Him whether this was the proper time for the exercise of authority over him, begging Jesus not to torment him since Jesus was commanding the demons to come out of him.
(5:6-8) When Jesus asked the man his name, he answered that the demons were legion (3,000-6,000), and begged Jesus not to send them out of the country. (5:9-10) The demons asked Jesus to send them into the swine feeding on the mountain. (5:11-12) Jesus gave the spirits permission to enter the swine, and they did drive about two thousand of them down into the sea to drown. (5:13) The herdsmen response. (5:14-20) The herdsmen of the pigs ran and reported in the city and in the country what Jesus had done, and the people came to see. (5:14) The people saw the demonized man under self-control and heard from those who had seen all what had happened so that they became fearful and asked Jesus to leave. (5:15-17) The man who had been delivered from the demons sought to go with Jesus but was exhorted to go home to his people and testify to that which the Lord had done, and he did in the Decapolis causing the people to marvel. (5:18-20)
The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter and the Healing of a Hemorrhaging Woman.
(5:21-43)
Mark 5:21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much
people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea.
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Mark 5:22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by
name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
Mark 5:23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point
of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and
she shall live.
Mark 5:24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged
him.
Mark 5:25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
Mark 5:26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all
that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
Mark 5:27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched
his garment.
Mark 5:28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
Mark 5:29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in
her body that she was healed of that plague.
Mark 5:30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of
him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
Mark 5:31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging
thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
Mark 5:32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
Mark 5:33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her,
came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
Mark 5:34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in
peace, and be whole of thy plague.
Mark 5:35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house
certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any
further?
Mark 5:36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler
of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
Mark 5:37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John
the brother of James.
Mark 5:38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the
tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.
Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado,
and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
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Mark 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he
taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and
entereth in where the damsel was lying.
Mark 5:41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi;
which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
Mark 5:42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age
of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
mark 5:43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and
commanded that something should be given her to eat.
Setting: Jesus passed over the Sea of Galilee again by boat and was met by a great multitude, and he stayed by the seashore. (5:21) A synagogue official named Jairus besought Jesus to come and heal his very sick daughter, and Jesus went with him and was followed and pressed by the crowds. (5:22-24) As Jesus was going with Jairus, a woman with a severe blood hemorrhage who had not been helped by physicians, touched Jesus' cloak with the hope of getting well, and was immediately healed. (5:25-29) Jesus perceived that power had gone out from Him and asked aloud who had touched Him. (5:30)
The disciples considered Jesus' question to be foolish in view of the multitudes around Him, but the woman came forward and told Him that it was she. (5:31-33) Jesus responded by affirming her faith and urging her to leave in peace and in her healing.
(5:34)
During the interlude with the woman the daughter of Jairus died. (5:35-43) While Jesus was still speaking to the woman a message came to Jairus that his daughter was dead, so he should not bother Jesus any longer, but Jesus overheard the messenger and told Jairus not to fear, but to believe 5:35-36 With no one but Peter, James and John, Jesus entered the mourning house of Jairus. (5:37-38)
When all the people laughed at Jesus for questioning their commotion since the girl was not dead, but asleep, Jesus put them out, and entered the child's room with His companions and her parents. (5:39-40) Jesus took the twelve-year-old girl’s hand, and ordered her to arise, she immediately rose up and began to walk. (5:41-42a) The people were astounded, and Jesus commanded them to tell no one about what had happened, and to feed the girl. (5:42b-43)
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Conclusion:
Jesus’ Rejection in his Hometown. (6:1-6a)
Mark 6:1 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his
disciples follow him.
Mark 6:2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue:
and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these
things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty
works are wrought by his hands?
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses,
and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were
offended at him.
Mark 6:4 But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own
country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.
Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon
a few sick folk, and healed them.
Mark 6:6a And he marvelled because of their unbelief…
Setting: Jesus went out from Jairus' house and returned with his disciples to His hometown (Capernaum). (6:1) On the Sabbath Jesus began to teach in the synagogue and those who listened to Him were astonished over His wisdom, and His miracles, but took offense at Him because they knew him to be one of them (the carpenter, son of Mary, brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, with sisters). (6:2-3) Jesus responded to the offense and rejection of the people of Capernaum. (6:4-5) He affirmed that He is being rejected by His own people (including family) even though he is honored by others. His response to the people of Capernaum noted that a prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown, and among his own family. (6:4) Jesus was not able (in the sense that He was not free) to do many miracles in His hometown but heal a few sick people. (6:5)
The Servant’s Withdrawals from Galilee. (6:6b–8:21) The Catalyst to The Withdrawals: The News about Jesus Spreading. (6:6b-29)
…And he went round about the villages, teaching.
Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two
and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
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Mark 6:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey,
save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
Mark 6:9 But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats.
Mark 6:10 And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house,
there abide till ye depart from that place.
Mark 6:11 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart
thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say
unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of
judgment, than for that city.
Mark 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.
Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were
sick, and healed them.
Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and
he said, That John the Baptist was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works
do shew forth themselves in him.
Mark 6:15 Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as
one of the prophets.
Mark 6:16 But when Herod heard thereof, he said, It is John, whom I beheaded:
he is risen from the dead.
Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound
him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
Mark 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy
brother's wife.
Mark 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed
him; but she could not:
Mark 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy,
and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him
gladly.
Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made
a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
Mark 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and
pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me
whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
Mark 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it
thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
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Mark 6:24 And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And
she said, The head of John the Baptist.
Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying,
I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.
Mark 6:26 And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their
sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
Mark 6:27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head
to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,
Mark 6:28 And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the
damsel gave it to her mother.
Mark 6:29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse,
and laid it in a tomb.
By Jesus’ Activities. (6:6)
Jesus wondered at the unbelief of those in Capernaum, as He went around the villages teaching. (6:6)
By Jesus’ Disciples. (6:7-13)
Jesus urges the disciples to open their minds, unharden their hearts and thus understand who He is rather than being corrupted by the infectious attitudes of others. Jesus'
ministry, which was in line with John the Baptist, continued among the people of Israel through His twelve apostles even though Herod the Roman/Jewish ruler beheaded John the Baptist. (6:7-29)
Jesus sent out the Twelve in pairs to preach. (6:7) Jesus instructed His disciples to not make provision for themselves as they go out on this journey. (6:8-9) Jesus instructed the Twelve to stay with those who invite them in until they leave a town, and visibly separate themselves from those who do not receive them as a testimony of judgment against them. (6:10-11) The Twelve when out preaching that men should repent and authenticating their messages through casting out demons and healing many people.
(6:12-13)
As far as Herod. (6:14-29)
When the reports about Jesus and His disciples reached Herod, many postulated as to who Jesus was (Elijah, the Prophet like Moses), but Herod believed that He was a risen John the Baptist whom he had beheaded. (6:14-16)
The Beheading of John. (6:17-29)
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Although Herod was afraid of John as a righteous man, he beheaded him because John had been critical of Herod's marriage to his brother's wife, Herodias, and she wanted him dead. (6:17-20) Herod ordered that John be beheaded in response to a promise to the daughter of Herodias who pleased him at a high ranking banquet, and then sought her mother's wish when Herod offered her anything up to half of his kingdom. (6:21-29)
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To a Deserted place. (6:30–7:23)
Mark 6:30 And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told him
all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught.
Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place,
and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so
much as to eat.
Mark 6:32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
Mark 6:33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot
thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with
compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and
he began to teach them many things.
Mark 6:35 And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and
said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:
Mark 6:36 Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and
into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat.
Mark 6:37 He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto
him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat?
Mark 6:38 He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when
they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.
Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the
green grass.
Mark 6:40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
Mark 6:41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up
to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set
before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.
Mark 6:42 And they did all eat, and were filled.
Mark 6:43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes.
Mark 6:44 And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.
Mark 6:45 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to
go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people.
Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
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Mark 6:47 And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he
alone on the land.
Mark 6:48 And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them:
and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea,
and would have passed by them.
Mark 6:49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been
a spirit, and cried out:
Mark 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with
them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.
Mark 6:51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they
were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
Mark 6:52 For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was
hardened.
Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret,
and drew to the shore.
Mark 6:54 And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him,
Mark 6:55 And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry
about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.
Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they
laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the
border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.
Mark 7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes,
which came from Jerusalem.
Mark 7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to
say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat
not, holding the tradition of the elders.
Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And
many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of
cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples
according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you
hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart
is far from me.
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Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men.
Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,
as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that
ye may keep your own tradition.
Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth
father or mother, let him die the death:
Mark 7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that
is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
Mark 7:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye
have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them,
Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
Mrk 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile
him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
Mark 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
Mark 7:17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples
asked him concerning the parable.
Maark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye
not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot
defile him;
Mark 7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out
into the draught, purging all meats?
Mark 7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
Mark 7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts,
adulteries, fornications, murders,
Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye,
blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
Mark 7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Miracles Performed. (6:30-56)
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Feeding of the Five Thousand. (6:30-44) Setting: When the apostles gathered with Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught. (6:30) Jesus urged the disciples to come away from the needy people to a lonely place where they may find rest. (6:31)
The apostles went away in the boat to a lonely place to be by themselves. (6:32) The people saw the apostles going and ran to where they were going from all the cities and got there ahead of them. (6:33) When Jesus came ashore, He saw the people (of Israel) as sheep without a shepherd and began to act as their shepherd as he taught them and feed them through His apostles as the prophet like Moses. (6:34) When it was getting late, Jesus' disciples urged Him to disperse the people to the surrounding villages so that they may get some food to eat. (6:35-36)
Jesus responded to the apostles' suggestion by urging them to feed the multitude.
(6:37a) The apostles objected and questioned Jesus' exhortation to feed the multitude because it would cost an enormous amount (two hundred denarii). (6:37b) Learning that the multitude had five loaves of bread and two fish among them, Jesus instructed the apostles to have the multitude recline in groups on the grass, and they did--in groups of fifties and hundreds. (6:38-40) As the Prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:15) Jesus fed the people through the disciples with the five loaves and two fish until they were all satisfied with twelve (like the twelve tribes) baskets (koivnwn) of bread and fish left over. (6:41-43)
Five thousand men ate the loaves of bread. (6:44)
Walking on the Water. (6:45-52)
Setting: While Jesus remained to send the multitude away and then to pray, He sent His disciples ahead of Him on the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida. (6:45-46) When it was evening and Jesus saw from the land the disciples straining on the Sea against the wind, He came walking (at about 3:00 A.M.) on the Sea to them and intending to pass by them. (6:47-48)
When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they thought that He was a water ghost and began to cry out. (6:49) Jesus allayed the fears of His disciples by urging them to take courage because He was not a ghost but God Himself. (6:50) Jesus got into the boat and the wind stopped leaving the disciples greatly astonished because they had not gained any insight from the loaves since they had hard hearts. (6:51-52) Continued miracles of healing. Wherever Jesus went, the people brought out their sick to be healed by Him, but there is no report of a continuation of Jesus' preaching to these people. (6:53-56)
Setting: The disciples and Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee from Bethsaida to its northwest area at the shore of Gennesaret. (6:53) When the people recognized Jesus 49
coming out of the boat, they ran and brought their sick to the place where He was.
(6:54-55) Wherever Jesus went people brought their sick and were seeking to simply touch His cloak which led to healing. (6:56)
Pharisees Confronted: Clean Vs. Unclean. (7:1-23) Confrontation with the Pharisees. Uncleanliness and the Gentiles: Through a conflict with the Pharisees over "cleanliness" and several examples where Jesus went to those whom the Jews considered to be unclean (the Syrophoenician woman, the deaf-mute of the Decapolis, and feeding the four thousand of the Decapolis), Jesus demonstrated that the heart makes one unclean and not externals such as Gentiles since Jesus significantly ministered among the Gentiles. In this conflict, the religious leaders accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the "tradition of the elders" Jesus proclaimed, Scripturally supported, and effectively demonstrated through a case study of honoring parents that the leaders use their "traditions" to set aside the commandments of God. (7:1-13)
Setting: The Pharisees and some of the scribes from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus when they saw that His disciples ate their food with impure hands as the "tradition of the elders" which they followed required, and they asked Jesus why His disciples did not wash. (7:1-5) Jesus answered the religious leaders by affirming that they appear to be honoring God, but their hearts are far from Him as they neglect God's commandments to keep their traditions. (7:6-8) Jesus cited the prophesy of Isaiah 29:13 which affirmed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders because they spoke as those who honored God, but their hearts were far from God as they vainly worship God teaching precepts of Men as doctrines. (7:6-7) Jesus accused the religious leaders of using their traditions to break the commandments of God. (7:8) Jesus illustrated the religious leaders' use of the oral law (the traditions of men) to set aside the written Law through their "legal" provisions for neglecting one's parents. (7:9-13) Statement of Thesis: The religious leaders set aside the commandment of God to keep their own tradition. (7:9) Jesus cited a portion of the written Law {Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16} commanding all people to honor their parents. (7:10) Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon
the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deuteronomy 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath
commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee,
in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
In contrast to the written law Jesus notes one case among many, namely, the religious leaders allow one to neglect the needs of one's parents to give to the temple thereby invalidating the written word of God. (7:11-13)
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Declaration to the Crowd. After Jesus’ confrontation with the Pharisees and in view of Jesus' discussion concerning the "tradition of the elders" he explained to the multitude and to His disciples that external things (especially food) do not make a person unclean, but internal evil does because it flows from the heart. In metaphorical language Jesus proclaimed to the people that it is not that which is without that makes one unclean, but that which is within. (7:14-16)
Instruction of the Disciples. (7:17-23)
Setting: When Jesus and the disciples were in private, they asked Him about the parable which He had just spoken. (7:17) Jesus first rebuked the disciples for not understanding what He had said. (7:18a) He then explained to them that physical things which enter a man do not defile him because they do not enter his heart, but his stomach and are then eliminated; thereby intimating that all foods are clean. (7:18b-19) Jesus also explained that those things which come out of a man defile him because they come from the heart. (7:20-23)
(1)
Evil thoughts. (6:21)
(2)
Evil acts - adulteries, fornication, murders, thefts, covetousness, and wickedness. (6:21-22)
(3)
Moral defects - deceit, lasciviousness (sensuality), an evil eye (envy), blasphemy (slander), pride, and foolishness. (7:22-23)
To the Vicinity of Tyre: In the Gentile land of Tyre Jesus cast out a demon from a Gentile Syrophoenician Woman’s Daughter. (7:24-30)
Mark 7:24 And from thence he arose, and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon,
and entered into an house, and would have no man know it: but he could not be hid.
Mark 7:25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit,
heard of him, and came and fell at his feet:
Mark 7:26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought
him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
Mark 7:27 But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet
to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.
Mark 7:28 And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the
table eat of the children's crumbs.
Mark 7:29 And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out
of thy daughter.
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Mark 7:30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and
her daughter laid upon the bed.
Setting: From Galilee, Jesus went in privacy (to teach His disciples) northwest to the Gentile region of Tyre, but he was recognized, and a Gentile woman who was Syrophoenician came continually asking for help for her daughter who had an unclean spirit. (7:24-26) Jesus responded to the woman by metaphorically proclaiming that the benefits for Israel must first be given to Israel (children), before they are shared with Gentiles (dogs). (7:27) Using Jesus' image, the woman agreed only asking for that which might be provided without interrupting Jesus' ministry to Israel. (7:28) Because of the woman's agreeable understanding and faith Jesus agreed to her request and from afar cast the evil spirit from her daughter as the woman discovered when she returned home. (7:29-30)
To the Region of Decapolis: The Healing of a Deaf-Mute. (7:31-37)
Mark 7:31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto
the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.
Mark 7:32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in
his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him.
Mark 7:33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his
ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue;
Mark 7:34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha,
that is, Be opened.
Mark 7:35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was
loosed, and he spake plain.
Mark 7:36 And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he
charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it;
Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things
well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
Setting: Jesus left the region of Tyre and Sidon and traveled through Galilee to the Gentile region of the Decapolis. (7:31) The people brought to Jesus a person who was deaf and spoke with difficulty (the dumb) for Him to heal. (7:32) In a visual manner (for the sake of the deaf man) Jesus demonstrated that He was going to heal the man.
(7:33-34)
Jesus took the man aside from the multitude (to emphasize the privacy for this relationship). (7:33a) Jesus demonstrated that He was going to heal his hearing (fingers in his ears), and his speech (spitting to bring forth the tongue whereupon he 52
touched it with his saliva to emphasize healing). (7:33b) Jesus demonstrated that God was going to do this miracle by looking up into heaven. (7:34a) Jesus then said an Aramaic word "Ephphatha" so that the man could read his lips and know that Jesus had commanded the man's ears to be opened. (7:34b) The man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was gone, and he began to speak plainly. (7:35) Although Jesus ordered the people not to tell anyone about what He had done, they spread the word widely telling all in astonishment that Jesus is bringing in the Kingdom promises (He makes the deaf to hear and the dumb to speak; cf. Isaiah 35:5-6). (7:36-37)
Isaiah 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall
be unstopped.
Isaiah 35:6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb
sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
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To the Sea of Galilee: The Feeding of the Four Thousand. (8:1-9)
Mark 8:1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat,
Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them,
Mark 8:2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me
three days, and have nothing to eat:
Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the
way: for divers of them came from far.
Mark 8:4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these
men with bread here in the wilderness?
Mark 8:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven.
Mark 8:6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took
the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before
them; and they did set them before the people.
Mark 8:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set
them also before them.
Mark 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that
was left seven baskets.
Mark 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them
away.
Setting: When Jesus was in the Decapolis (in those days) a great multitude (probably mostly Gentile) was gathered with nothing to eat. (8:1a) Jesus called His disciples and exclaimed His compassion toward the multitudes because they had been listening to Him teach for three days and were now in need of something to eat for their long journey home. (8:1b-3) Jesus' disciples asked Jesus about the possibility of finding enough bread for this people in such a desolate place. (8:4) When Jesus learned from His disciples that they had seven loaves of bread, He directed the people to be seated, blessed the bread, and distributed it through His disciples to serve to the multitude along with some fish that they had. (8:5-7) When the multitude of about four thousand ate to their satisfaction, they picked up seven large baskets full of leftovers, and Jesus sent the people away. (8:8-9)
To Dalmanutha (Magadan). (8:10-21)
Mark 8:10 And straightway he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into
the parts of Dalmanutha.
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Mark 8:11 And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking
of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.
Mark 8:12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation
seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this
generation.
Mark 8:13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other
side.
Mark 8:14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the
ship with them more than one loaf.
Mark 8:15 And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the
Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.
Mark 8:16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have no
bread.
Mark 8:17 And when Jesus knew it, he saith unto them, Why reason ye, because ye
have no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? have ye your heart yet
hardened?
Mark 8:18 Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not
remember?
Mark 8:19 When I brake the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets
full of fragments took ye up? They say unto him, Twelve.
Mark 8:20 And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of
fragments took ye up? And they said, Seven.
Mark 8:21 And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?
The Withdrawal to Dalmanutha. This withdrawal follows the sending of the four thousand away and is a transitional period from a ministry in Galilee as servant to a ministry of revelation regarding the suffering of the Servant (Messiah), His identity, and the requirements upon the disciples as His followers. Once the four thousand had been sent away, Jesus entered the boat with His disciples and sailed West to the district of Dalmanutha (which may have been Magadan). [It is called Magdala in Matthew 15:39.] (8:10)
The Pharisees’ Demand for a Sign. (8:11-13)
The religious leaders re-affirm their hard heartedness by coming out and arguing with Jesus to test Him seeking a sign from heaven (which they could not attribute to Satan; perhaps fire from heaven as with Elijah) from Him. (8:11) Upset over His generations'
insistence upon a sign, Jesus vowed not to perform a sign (to take away their 55
opportunity to make a decision of faith) and left them to go to the other side of the sea.
(8:12-13)
The Pharisees’ Teaching Warned Against. (8:14-21) Closing Scene:
Setting: As Jesus and the disciples were in the boat leaving the district of Dalmanutha they were with only one loaf of bread among them. (8:14) Jesus instructed the disciples to watch out for the leaven (infectious sinful attitude, corruption) of the Pharisees and of Herod. (8:15) The disciples demonstrated that they did not understand what Jesus was saying to them because they responded by quarreling over whose fault it was that they did not have any bread. (8:16) Jesus responded to their lack of understanding by rebuking his disciples for not understanding the meaning of his words by describing them as walking in the hardened pattern of the nation Israel (cf. 4:12; Isaiah 6:9; Jeremiah 5:21; Ezekiel 12:2). (8:17-18) Jesus reminded the disciples of His miraculous feeding of the five and four thousand urging the disciples understand (the significance about who He was even though the leaders sin against Him). (8:19-21)
Isaiah 6:9 And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not;
and see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Jeremiah 5:21 Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which
have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not:
Ezekiel 12:2 Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which
have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a
rebellious house.
Revelation of the Servant’s Suffering at Caesarea Philippi. (8:22-9:1)
Mark 8:22 And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and
besought him to touch him.
Mark 8:23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town;
and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he
saw ought.
Mark 8:24 And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.
Mark 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up:
and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Mark 8:26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor
tell it to any in the town.
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Mark 8:27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea
Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men
say that I am?
Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others,
One of the prophets.
Mark 8:29 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter
answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.
Mark 8:30 And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
Mark 8:31 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many
things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be
killed, and after three days rise again.
Mark 8:32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to
rebuke him.
Mark 8:33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked
Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be
of God, but the things that be of men.
Mark 8:34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he
said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me.
Mark 8:35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose
his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Mark 8:36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose
his own soul?
Mark 8:37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this
adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed,
when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them
that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of
God come with power.
Introductory Object Lesson:
The Two-Stage Healing of a Blind Man at Bethsaida. The blind see Who Jesus is. (8:22-26)
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Setting: When the disciples came to Bethsaida (NE on the Sea of Galilee) a blind man was brought to Jesus so that He would heal (touch) him. Through the image of gradually enabling a physically blind man to see, Mark sets the scene for the increased insight which Jesus' disciples will obtain through Jesus' ministry among them. (8:22) Jesus took the blind man out of the village, placed spit upon his eyes, laid His hands upon the man and asked him if he saw anything. (8:23) The man told Jesus that he could vaguely see men walking around, but they looked like trees. (8:24) Jesus again laid His hands upon the man's eyes, and the man's sight was completely restored.
(8:25) Jesus sent the man home instructing him to not even enter the village (lest the message of the healing become public and obstruct Jesus' opportunity to speak to the people for want of more miracles). (8:26)
Peter’s Confession: Jesus is the Christ. The disciples see Who Jesus is. (8:27-30) Sermon--Who Is Jesus: Through a dialogue with the disciples, they affirm (see?) the identity of Jesus that He is Messiah. (8:27-30)
Setting: Jesus went north from Bethsaida to Caesarea Philippi with His disciples questioning them concerning Who people say that He is. (8:27) The disciples answered that the people identify Jesus with several different people: John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets {e.g., Deuteronomy 18}. (8:28) Jesus asked the disciples about Who they thought that He was. (8:29a) Peter answered (for the disciples) by identifying Jesus as Messiah (the Christ). (8:29b) Jesus then warned the disciples to not tell anyone about Who He was. (8:30)
Jesus’ Disclosure: Death and Resurrection. (8:31-38) The Statement by Jesus. (8:31)
Prediction: Jesus begins to clarify the concept of Himself as Messiah by predicting that the Son of Man (cf. Dan. 7:13) must suffer, be rejected by the religious leaders, be killed, and rise again after three days. (8:31)
Resistance by Peter. (8:32-33) Misunderstanding--Peter: As with the blind man who at first could not see clearly, so was it with the disciples who resisted Jesus’ revelation that He as Messiah must suffer…As Jesus was stating the suffering aspects of His Messiahship plainly, Peter (on behalf of the Twelve) took Jesus aside and rebuked Him. (8:32) As Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, He then rebuked Peter for being Satan's tool by emphasizing personal interests over God's interests. (8:33) The Principle: Suffering before Glory. (8:34-38)
Setting: Jesus then summoned the multitude along with His disciples and taught them.
(8:34a) Jesus deals with the people's Messianic concerns. He explains that they must follow Him as the suffering Messiah to partake of the Kingdom life which He will 58
bring with certainty as He will show some of those who are with Him. (8:34b-38) Jesus urged those who wanted to follow Him to deny themselves (die to their own desires for Messianic rule as they are in conflict against God's; cf. 8:33), identify with Jesus as the suffering Messiah (take up his cross), and then to follow. (8:34) The reason Jesus urges His listeners to follow Him as the suffering Messiah is because kingdom life (saved life) is not available by applied effort, but by following the suffering Messiah. (8:35) The reason life will only be saved through following the suffering Messiah is because material gain (at the expense of obeying God) has no value when compared to the life (soul) which God will give to those who will follow him in suffering. (8:36-37) The reason one can lose his life for not following Jesus as the suffering Messiah is because He will reject those who rejected Him when He comes to establish His kingdom in the greatness of the Father and with the holy angels.
{c.f., 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 19:11ff}. (8:38)
2Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus
shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that
sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and
make war.
The Promise: Seeing the Kingdom. Jesus then promised that some of those who were present would not die until they saw the Kingdom of God in its power. (9:1) This promise was fulfilled at the Transfiguration.
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The Suffering Servant’s Journey to Jerusalem. (9:2–10:52) Lessons in Galilee. (9:2-50)
Mark 9:2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and
leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was
transfigured before them.
Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller
on earth can white them.
Mark 9:4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking
with Jesus.
Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here:
and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for
Elias.
Mark 9:6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.
Mark 9:7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of
the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
Mark 9:8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any
more, save Jesus only with themselves.
Mark 9:9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they
should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from
the dead.
Mark 9:10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another
what the rising from the dead should mean.
Mark 9:11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first
come?
Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth
all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things,
and be set at nought.
Mark 9:13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto
him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
Mark 9:14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them,
and the scribes questioning with them.
Mark 9:15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly
amazed, and running to him saluted him.
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Mark 9:16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?
Mark 9:17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought
unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;
Mark 9:18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and
gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they
should cast him out; and they could not.
Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I
be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
Mark 9:20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the
spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.
Mark 9:21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him?
And he said, Of a child.
Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy
him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
Mark 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him
that believeth.
Mark 9:24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears,
Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.
Mark 9:25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the
foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of
him, and enter no more into him.
Mark 9:26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was
as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.
Mark 9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
Mark 9:28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately,
Why could not we cast him out?
Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by
prayer and fasting.
Mark 9:30 And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would
not that any man should know it.
Mark 9:31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is
delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed,
he shall rise the third day.
Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
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Mark 9:33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them,
What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
Mark 9:34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among
themselves, who should be the greatest.
Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man
desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
Mark 9:36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had
taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
Mark 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me:
and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils
in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not
us.
Mark 9:39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a
miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
Mark 9:40 For he that is not against us is on our part.
Mark 9:41 For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name,
because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it
is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into
the sea.
Mark 9:43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into
life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be
quenched:
Mark 9:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt
into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be
quenched:
Mark 9:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into
the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Mark 9:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Mark 9:49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted
with salt.
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Mark 9:50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye
season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
The Transfiguration Insight. Through the transformation of Jesus into His glorious state along with Moses and Elijah and the Father's confirmation, Peter, James and John were demonstrated the Messiahship of Jesus, but were exhorted not to tell others of this until after Jesus' resurrection from the dead which they did not understand. (9:2-10)
Setting: Six days later Jesus brought Peter, James, and John with Him to a high mountain by themselves. (9:2a) While upon the high mountain Jesus was transfigured in glory before the disciples who also saw Moses and Elijah (representing the Law and the Prophets) speaking with Jesus. The garments of Jesus became exceeding white.
(9:3-4) Being terrified and not knowing exactly what to say, Peter spoke for the disciples urging Jesus to celebrate the fulfillment of the feast of tabernacles (the Kingdom). (9:5-6) Through a cloud that formed around them the Father identified Jesus as Messiah (beloved Son) whom the disciples should listen to as the prophet like Moses (Deut. 18), whereupon only Jesus was with them (in an un-transfigured state).
(9:7-8) As they were coming down from the mountain Jesus commanded that they not tell what they had seen until Jesus rose from the dead, but they did not understand what He meant by rising from the dead. (9:9-10)
A Question About Elijah. (9:11-13)
Peter, James, and John question Jesus about His Messiahship in view of the insistence with the scribes who said that Elijah must come before Messiah comes. (9:11) As the disciples question Jesus about the Scriptural necessity for Elijah to precede Messiah and the restoration of the Kingdom, Jesus explains that it is true that Elijah must first come in accordance with Scripture, but that Scripture also foretells of Messiah's suffering which was prefigured in the Elijah figure who preceded Him {John the Baptist; cf. 6:14ff}. (9:12-13) Jesus agreed with the scribes that Elijah was to first come and restore all things. (9:12a) In contrast to Elijah's coming Jesus asks the disciples about what is also written in the Scriptures that Messiah (the Son of Man) must suffer {Ps. 22; Isa. 53}. (9:12b) Jesus then explained to the disciples that Elijah did already come in accordance with the Scriptures but was rejected (intimating that the same will come of Jesus as He follows John's pathway). (9:13) The Healing of a Demon-Possessed Boy. Through the deliverance of a demonized boy which the disciples were unable to help, Jesus demonstrated to the disciples that they were not dependently trusting in God {cf. Elijah imagery 1 Ki. 17:7-24}. (9:14-29)
Setting: When Jesus, Peter, James, and John came back to the disciples there was a large crowd around them, and the scribes were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they began to run to Him. (9:14-15) Jesus inquired of the crowd about what 63
the discussion between the disciples and scribes was about. (9:16) One from the crowd explained to Jesus that he had brought his son who was tormented by a demon to His disciples, but they were not able to cast the demon out. (9:17-18) Jesus rebuked the disciples and the crowd for their unbelief and then the man whose son was brought forward for his unbelief, whereupon the man affirmed his belief in Jesus, and asked for help with His unbelief. (9:19-24) Jesus rebuked his disciples (and the crowd?) for continually not believing in Him and then urged the demonized boy to be brought to Him. (9:19) When the boy was brought the demon began to terrorize Him, and the father, explaining that he has been this way since childhood asked Jesus to help them if He was able. (9:20-22) Jesus picked up on the condition of ability and explained to the man that all was possible for Him, but the man needed to believe in Him. (9:23) The man immediately affirmed his belief in Jesus and asked Jesus to help him with his unbelief. (9:24)
As a crowd was gathering, Jesus rebuked the deaf and dumb demonic spirit who violently left the man for what the crowd considered to be dead, but Jesus raised him up. (9:25-26) When the disciples privately inquired of Jesus as to why they were not able to cast this demon out of the boy. Jesus explained to his disciples that this demon will only come out only after expressions of dependence upon God (prayer) and self-denial (fasting). (9:28-29)
Prediction of Death and Resurrection: Second Mention. As Jesus was going with His disciples throughout Caesarea, He predicted His future passion and resurrection.
(9:30-32)
Setting: From the region of Caesarea Philippi Jesus was privately going with His disciples throughout Galilee instructing His disciples. (9:30) Jesus was teaching His disciples that as Messiah (the Son of Man) He must be delivered into the power of men to be killed and then rise three days later {cf. 8:31}. (9:31) The disciples did not understand Jesus' words about the suffering of Messiah but were afraid to ask Him about them. (9:32) The fear may possibly have been due to an Aramaic term which He used for His crucifixion which could have meant exaltation or crucifixion. In view of this they were afraid to ask Jesus about what He had said.
The Greatest Disciple. (9:33-37)
Misunderstanding by the Twelve: As the party was walking to Capernaum, the disciples demonstrated that they did not understand the significance of suffering upon the greatness of Messiah as they argued over who among them was the greatest. (9:33-34)
Setting: As they came to Capernaum and were. in private, Jesus asked the disciples about what they were debating about as they were walking. (9:33) The disciples were quiet because they were arguing over who was the greatest among them. (9:34) 64
Teaching: In private Jesus taught the Twelve that true greatness will come through serving others because as one receives them in their gospel ministry they will be receiving the Father and the Son. (9:35-37)
Setting: Jesus sat down in the house and called the Twelve to Him to teach them.
(9:35a) Jesus taught that true greatness would come through serving others. (9:35-37) Jesus’ teaching emphasized that the greatest of all is the one who serves all. (9:35) Jesus illustrated His instruction about the significance of servanthood through holding a child and affirming that as they are welcomed (received) as the least esteemed, it is like someone is welcoming and receiving Jesus and the Father. (9:36-37) Doing Good in Jesus’ Name. (9:38-41)
Another Servant: When John speaks on behalf of the Twelve about their exclusivity as they rebuked another servant for casting out demons in Christ's name, Jesus corrected them by describing him as a fellow servant. (9:38-40) John (like Peter before, cf. 8:32; see also James and John in 10:35-37) speaks for all of the disciples by objecting to another servant who was not part of the Twelve but was casting out demons in Jesus’ name. (9:38) Jesus commands the Twelve not to stop this other servant because he is a servant of Christ's. (9:39-40)
Any Servant: Jesus honors anyone who serves Him in His name. Jesus explains that anyone who serves them in the name of Christ will be rewarded by the Lord. (9:41) Stumbling Blocks. (9:42-48)
Jesus then warns the disciples that if they cause one of these inexperienced (little ones) to stumble, that God will deal very severely with them. (9:42) Jesus urges the disciples to take drastic measures not to cause themselves to stumble (probably in relationship to one another). Jesus issues a severe warning about Hell and the Kingdom. (9:42-49)
Worthless Salt. Jesus urges the disciples to preserve themselves and to be at peace with one another (9:50)
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Lessons in Perea. (10:1-31)
Mark 10:1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the
farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont,
he taught them again.
Mark 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to
put away his wife? tempting him.
Mark 10:3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
Mark 10:4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put
her away.
Mark 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart
he wrote you this precept.
Mark 10:6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
Mark 10:7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to
his wife;
Mark 10:8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but
one flesh.
Mark 10:9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Mark 10:10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.
Mark 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry
another, committeth adultery against her.
Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to
another, she committeth adultery.
Divorce. (10:1-12)
Setting: When Jesus left Capernaum and entered Judea on the east of the Jordan many crowds gathered around Him, and He began to teach them. (10:1) Some Pharisees came to Jesus and tested Him concerning whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife. (10:2) Jesus asked them what Moses had commanded them concerning divorce. (10:3) The Pharisees affirmed that Moses permitted divorce. {Deuteronomy 24:1-5}. (10:4)
Deuteronomy 24:1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to
pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness
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in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send
her out of his house.
Deuteronomy 24:2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be
another man's wife.
Deuteronomy 24:3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of
divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the
latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;
Deuteronomy 24:4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her
again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the
LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth
thee for an inheritance.
Deuteronomy 24:5 When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war,
neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year,
and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken.
Jesus lessened the significance of Moses' command as a toleration due to the sinfulness and hardness of Israel’s heart. (10:5) Jesus affirmed that God's design from creation was for permanency in marriage, and thus no one should divorce. God's design has always been for one man and one woman in a marriage relationship (He made them male and female, they became one flesh). (10:6-8) Jesus urges no one to separate those whom God has joined together. (10:9)
When Jesus was alone and in private with His disciples, He answered their continued questions about divorce by affirming that whoever divorced his partner and remarried another would be committing adultery. 10:10-12 Jesus affirmed that if a man divorces his wife, and marries another woman commits adultery against his divorced wife.
(10:11) Jesus also affirmed that if a woman divorced her husband and married another, she would be committing adultery against her divorced husband. (10:12) Childlikeness. (10:13-16)
Mark 10:13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:
and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them,
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the
kingdom of God.
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Mark 10:16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed
them.
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Setting: The older children (or perhaps fathers [note "them" is masculine] were bringing the younger children to Jesus so that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked the children. (10:13) Jesus called the disciples into alignment with God's intention by rebuking them for forbidding the weak and helpless (children) from coming to Him since the Kingdom of God belongs to such humble ones who will receive it. (10:14-16)
When Jesus saw the disciples rebuking the children, He became indignant at their behavior. (10:14a) Jesus sternly instructed the disciples to not hinder the children from coming to Him, but to permit them to come. (10:14b) The reason Jesus instructed the disciples to allow the children to come to Him was because the Kingdom of God belongs to people like children who had no apparent importance. (10:14) Jesus then solemnly warned the disciples that whoever did not receive the Kingdom of God as a child (who knows that he is helpless and without claim) shall not enter it. (10:15) Jesus then demonstrated that the blessings of the Kingdom are freely given as He took the children in His arms and began to bless them. (10:16) Riches and Security. (10:17-31)
Mark 10:17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running,
and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit
eternal life?
Mark 10:18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good
but one, that is, God.
Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill,
Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
Mark 10:20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed
from my youth.
Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing
thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou
shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
Mark 10:22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great
possessions.
Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How
hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth
again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to
enter into the kingdom of God!
Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich
man to enter into the kingdom of God.
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Mark 10:26 And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves,
Who then can be saved?
Mark 10:27 And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not
with God: for with God all things are possible.
Mark 10:28 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have
followed thee.
Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man
that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children,
or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and
brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and
in the world to come eternal life.
Mark 10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
The Rich Young Man: Security in Riches. (10:17-22) Setting: As Jesus was setting out on a journey, He was approached by a man who respectfully inquired about how to inherit eternal life. (10:17) Jesus responded to the man's question by emphasizing that the goodness necessary to inherit eternal life is the goodness of God as revealed in the moral law in relationship to man. (10:18-19) Jesus inquired as to why the man addressed Him as good since no one except God is good (He is switching the focus from a human evaluation of goodness to a divine evaluation). (10:18)
Jesus than cites from the human side of the Decalogue {Exodus 20:12-15; Deuteronomy 5:16-20} to express the necessity for one to be good by being made good by becoming in alignment with the revealed will of the goodness of God to inherit eternal life (made the righteousness of God). (10:19)
Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon
the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.
Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.
Deuteronomy 5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath
commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee,
in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Deuteronomy 5:17 Thou shalt not kill.
Deuteronomy 5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
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Deuteronomy 5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.
Deuteronomy 5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
The man insisted that he had kept the moral law all his life. (10:20) Out of love for the man, Jesus exhorted him to become needy and to sacrificially follow Him (like children above). (10:21) The man responded in disappointment and sorrow because he had many possessions, and was not willing to part with them (thus showing that he was not willing to follow a suffering Messiah [cf. 8:34]. (10:22) The Disciples: Security in Christ. (10:23-31)
After the rich man left Jesus addressed His disciples and explained that it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the kingdom of God (because they wish to earn it rather than realize that they need to receive it). (10:23) When the disciples responded with amazement to Jesus' words, Jesus proclaimed that it was very difficult (impossible from a human perspective) for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God. (10:24-25) The disciples were even more astonished that the rich (who were supposed to be the blessed ones would find it so difficult to enter into the Kingdom of God, they asked who then could be saved. (10:26) Jesus explained that salvation will come through the ability of God and not men. (10:27) Peter then spoke for the Twelve and expressed that the Twelve had sacrificially followed Jesus. (10:28-31) Peter affirmed to Jesus that they (the Twelve were unlike the rich man) had left everything and followed Jesus.
(10:28) Jesus affirmed that God would supply for those who sacrificially followed Him and would switch the order of the "great" in the Kingdom. (10:29-31) Jesus affirmed to the Twelve that all who have sacrificially chosen to follow Him will receive multiplied relationships now (through believers) along with persecutions and eternal life in the age to come (the Kingdom). (10:29-30) Jesus summarized His message to followers in that those who are first now will be last later, and those who are last now, will be first later {cf. Mark 9:35}. (10:31)
Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before
them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took
again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
Mark 10:33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be
delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him
to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:
Mark 10:34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon
him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
Mark 10:35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying,
Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.
Mark 10:36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?
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Mark 10:37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right
hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.
Mark 10:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the
cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
Mark 10:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall
indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized
withal shall ye be baptized:
Mark 10:40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but
it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.
Mark 10:41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with
James and John.
Mark 10:42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they
which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their
great ones exercise authority upon them.
Mark 10:43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among
you, shall be your minister:
Mark 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to
minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mark 10:46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his
disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat
by the highway side begging.
Mark 10:47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out,
and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Mark 10:48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the
more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Mark 10:49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call
the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.
Mark 10:50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.
Mark 10:51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should
do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.
Mark 10:52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole.
And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Lessons In Judea. (10:32-52)
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Prediction Death and Resurrection: Third Mention. (10:32-34) Setting: As Jesus and His disciples were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and the disciples were amazed and fearful at His determination to go to Jerusalem, Jesus took the Twelve aside and again explained what was going to happen to Him. (10:32) Jesus explained His upcoming passion and resurrection to the Twelve. (10:33-34) His Passion: Jesus explained that they were going up to Jerusalem where He would be delivered to the religious leaders (chief priests and scribes), who will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles who will mock Him, spit on Him, scourge Him, and kill Him. (10:33-34a)
His Resurrection: Jesus also explained that three days after He was killed, He would rise again. (10:34b)
True Leadership. (10:35-52)
John’s and James’ Request. (10:35-37)
Setting: The brothers of Zebedee (James and John) requested Jesus to grant their request of Him. (10:35) When Jesus asked James and John of their requests, they revealed that they desired for Him to grant them seats of honor in His kingdom (being insensitive to his prediction of suffering, death, and resurrection at Jerusalem). (10:36-37)
Jesus’ Response. (10:38-45) Jesus told them that they did not understand what they were requesting. (10:38a) Jesus asked them if they were able to enter into the suffering that He is about to enter into (drink the cup, be baptized). (10:38b) When they said that they were able, Jesus prophesied that they would indeed suffer with Him (Acts 12:2; Rev. 1:9), but the seats of Honor are for those for whom God has prepared them.
(10:39-40)
When the other ten disciples gained news of the request of James and John, they became angry with them, and Jesus took the opportunity to correct the jealousy among the disciples. (10:41-45) Jesus taught that unlike the leaders of the world who exercise authority over their people, the great and first among the disciples will be the one who serves the others. (10:41-44) Jesus gives insight to His principle of service through the model of Messiah (the Son of Man) who did not come to be served by others but to serve others by giving His life for them. (10:45)
Jesus’ Example of Service: Healing of Blind Bartimaeus. (10:46-52) Setting: After Jesus and His disciples came and were going out of Jericho a blind beggar began to repeatedly beseech Jesus as Messiah (Son of David) to have mercy on Him (to heal him). (10:46-48) When Jesus stopped and requested of the crowd to 72
call the blind man to Him, they did, and he came. (10:49-50) When the man requested to receive his sight from Jesus, He healed him because of his faith (in Jesus as Messiah
{cf. Isaiah 29:18-19; 35:4-5; 61:1}, and the man began to follow Him. (10:51-52)
Isaiah 29:18 And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes
of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.
Isaiah 29:19 The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor
among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your
God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save
you.
Isaiah 35:5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall
be unstopped.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath
anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the
brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to
them that are bound;
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The Suffering Servant’s Ministry in Jerusalem. (11:1–13:37) The Presentation of the Suffering Servant: Entrance into Jerusalem. (11:1-11)
Mark 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany,
at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
Mark 11:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and
as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat;
loose him, and bring him.
Mark 11:3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath
need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
Mark 11:4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in
a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
Mark 11:5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing
the colt?
Mark 11:6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let
them go.
Mark 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and
he sat upon him.
Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down
branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
Mark 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying,
Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Mark 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name
of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
Mark 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he
had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went
out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Who Is Jesus: Through a veiled entry into Jerusalem Jesus proclaims Himself to be the humble and thus suffering Messiah and Lord of the temple for whom Israel is not ready. (11:1-10)
Preparation: The Unbroken Colt. (11:1-6)
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Setting: Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives at Bethphage and Bethany. (11:1a) Jesus sent two of His disciples to obtain a colt (on which no one had ever ridden [Zechariah 9:9] and tied [Gen. 49:11]) in the opposite village in accordance with the preparations which He had already made. (11:1b-2)
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of
Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation;
lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
The disciples went, found the colt, told those who were around of Jesus' need, were given leave of the colt, returned with it to Jesus, and placed their garments on it. (11:4-7a)
Coronation: The Recognition of Jesus’ Messiahship. (11:7-10) Jesus sat upon the colt as He rode it into Jerusalem. Many covered the path of the colt with their garments and proclaimed Jesus as the coming Messiah. (11:7b-10)
Prolepsis: Investigation of the Temple. (11:11) Jesus entered Jerusalem and the temple (as its Lord; cf. Malachi 3:1) (11:11 a-b).
Malachi 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before
me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the
messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the
LORD of hosts.
He looked around foreseeing and anticipating what would soon occur and departed for Bethany with the Twelve since it was late. (11:11 c-e)
The Judgment of the Nation in Symbols. (11:12-26) Mark 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was
hungry:
Mark 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he
might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but
leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
Mark 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee
hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and
began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables
of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
Mark 11:16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through
the temple.
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Mark 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be
called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might
destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his
doctrine.
Mark 11:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
Mark 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up
from the roots.
Mark 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the
fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Mark 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Mark 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this
mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in
his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he
shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that
your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven
forgive your trespasses.
Through the image of the fig tree, the cleansing of the temple, and the withered fig tree, Jesus proclaimed Israel's upcoming judgment because they appeared to be fruitful but were lacking in righteousness (cf. Jeremiah 8:13; Hosea 9:10,16; Joel 1:7; Micah 7:1-6; Hosea 2:12; Isaiah 34:4; cf. Luke 13:6-9) and urged the disciples to make their requests of God with confidence in Him and a heart of forgiveness. (11:12-26)
Jeremiah 8:13 I will surely consume them, saith the LORD: there shall be no grapes
on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I
have given them shall pass away from them.
Hosea 9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the
firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated
themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
Hosea 9:16 Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea,
though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb.
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Joel 1:7 He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean
bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.
Micah 7:1 Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as
the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the
firstripe fruit.
Micah 7:2 The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright
among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a
net.
Micah 7:3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and
the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire:
so they wrap it up.
Micah 7:4 The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn
hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their
perplexity.
Micah 7:5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors
of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
Micah 7:6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her
mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men
of his own house.
Hosea 2:12 And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said,
These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest,
and the beasts of the field shall eat them.
Isaiah 34:4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be
rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off
from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
Luke 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his
vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years
I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it
the ground?
Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I
shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
The Entrance into the Temple (11:12-19)
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Proleptic* Rejection of the Nation: Cursing of the Fig Tree. (11:12-14)
*adjective
1. (of a date) retroactively calculated using a later calendar than the one used at the time:
To make comparisons more simple, all dates are shown using the proleptic Gregorian calendar—that is, the modern Western calendar extrapolated into the past.