Bible Commentaries

§ 111. — TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM, Mark 11:1-11.

(See notes on Matthew 21:1-17.)

2. A colt tied — Matthew has it, “an ass tied, and a colt with her.” This is variation but not contradiction. It is the purpose of Matthew to show the accordance of our Lord’s conveyance into Jerusalem with the predictions of prophecy, which required the mention of the ass and her foal. It is Mark’s purpose simply to narrate that our Lord rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, without dwelling specially upon the animal he rode.

4. Where two ways met — Some understand by this the fork of a road; but it more properly signifies a street or thoroughfare. The original word signifies “a circular or winding way,” as the streets of ancient towns generally were. The apostles also found these animals, Mark tells us, by the door without; that is, probably, before the door of the owner, who had just used or was just about to use them.

10. The kingdom… that cometh — They not only blessed the king but also the kingdom. It was the kingdom of our father David, which is to be restored enlarged and glorified by this his more glorious Son. As David was the conqueror of surrounding nations, so this his illustrious descendant will emancipate Israel, subdue Rome, and make Jerusalem mistress of the world. Thus would he be, in accordance with their desires, a mere temporal Messiah. See notes on Matthew 4:8-10. In the name of the Lord — That is, in the name of Jehovah, the ancient God of Israel.

11. Looked round about upon all things — Our Saviour, as Lord of the temple, solemnly surveyed the wickedness that prevailed in the house of God. He was preparing to perform that stern symbolical purgation of casting out the traffickers. Eventide — The old English word tide signified the same as time; hence eventide is equivalent to evening time. Went out unto Bethany — The residence of Lazarus and his two sisters.

12. The morrow — Monday of Passion Week.

§ 112. — THE WITHERING OF THE FIG TREE, Mark 11:12-14.

(See notes on Matthew 21:18-22.)

14. No man eat… forever — As the tree had neglected to bring forth fruit, it is forever deprived of the power to bring forth fruit. Powers disused are powers forfeited. From him that hath not fruit shall be taken away that which he hath, namely, the capability of fruit.

15. Went into the temple — Which he had yesterday surveyed. See on Mark 11:11.

§ 112. — THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE, Mark 11:15-19.

(See notes on Matthew 12:13; see Luke 19:45-48.)

16. Carry any vessel — The word vessel here signifies any utensil or instrument of any kind, including working tools or military arms. According to the rabbinical writers it was forbidden to carry a staff or burden through the sacred place.

19. When even was come — The evening of Monday of the Passion Week.

Went out of the city — To his friends at Bethany.

§ 113. — THE WITHERED FIG TREE REMARKED, vv. AND REFLECTIONS, Mark 11:20-26.

20. In the morning — Of Tuesday in the Passion Week. Dried up from the roots — Marking how total was the death and aridness of the tree. The decay of long years was wrought upon it in a few hours, perhaps in a moment.

22. Have faith in God — So complete was the evidence of miraculous power that it furnished foundation for a lesson of miraculous faith.

24. Therefore — In view of this readiness of God to make your faith true the instant that it exists. I say — I declare this high privilege of the faithful soul. Unto you — Who have attained full communion with God. Believe that ye receive them — Trust that God is already granting while ye pray. And ye shall have them — The gift shall commence as soon as the faith is complete. While ye trust that it is being granted, it is being granted. The prayer and the answer are coexistent, as instantaneous cause and effect.

25. Forgive — In the very act of prayer. God’s forgiveness of all our transgression must lie at the bottom of all other blessings. Otherwise we are unreconciled to him and our prayers are unheard. But how can we expect forgiveness of God, against whom we have most highly offended, if we refuse to forgive our fellows who have offended us far less. So this forgiveness by us is requisite in order to our possessing true faith, and that faith is necessary to procure anything from God.

§ 113. — DISCOURSE WITH CHIEF PRIESTS, ETC., IN THE TEMPLE, Mark 11:27 to Mark 12:12.

1-12. See our notes on Matthew 21:33-45.