Bible Commentaries
Mark 11

Verses 1-11

Christ rides into Jerusalem. Matthew 21:1-17 .

Verse 2

Christ has a right to all things, because he made all things, and by him all consist. Colossians 1:16-17 . He can so influence the hearts of men that they will comply with his wishes, and cheerfully give up their possessions to any extent that he may require.

Verses 12-14

The fig-tree cursed. Matthew 21:18-22 .

Verse 13

Any thing ; any of the earlier crop, for the fig-tree bears crops at different times.

The time of figs ; of the crop which this tree might have borne. The curse represented the fate of the barren church-member.

Verse 14

Even the vegetable creation is dependent upon Christ. There is not a plant or flower in the garden, not a tree by the wayside, in the orchard, the field, or the forest, but will wither away if not supported by him.

Verses 15-19

Traffickers driven from the temple. Matthew 21:12-17 .

Verse 16

Any vessel ; any vessel used in or connected with their traffic.

Verse 22

Men who have strong and living faith in God, who pray for things agreeable to his will, and which he has promised to grant in answer to prayer, may confidently expect, in his time and way, to receive them.

Verse 23

This mountain ; to remove a mountain was a common phrase for the most difficult thing.

He shall have whatsoever he saith ; the things which, in the name of Christ, under the guidance of his Spirit, and with the faith of miracles, he shall attempt, he shall accomplish; as when Peter said to the lame man, "In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk"; and to Eneas, who had been confined to his bed eight years, "Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole." Acts 3:6 ; Acts 9:34 .

Verse 24

What things soever ye desire ; in accordance with the will and promises of God, ye shall receive.

Verses 25-26

In order to pray acceptably, we must have a kind and forgiving disposition. If we do not forgive others, our heavenly Father will not forgive us. To inculcate this truth, and impress it upon our minds, God has made it our duty daily to pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Matthew 6:12-15 .

Forgiveness in prayer . Matthew 6:12-15 .

Verses 27-33

Christ’s authority. Matthew 21:23-27 .

Verse 29

Pertinent and discriminating questions may lead opposers to see the truth more clearly and feel it more deeply than cogent arguments or long discussions. Friends of truth who, like Christ, are called to meet opposers, may wisely imitate him by asking them such appropriate questions as they cannot answer without acknowledging the truth. Then, whether they answer or not, truth will triumph.