November 3

Mark 11; John 12 (biblegateway.com)

Behold the Lamb and the King

In Mark 11 and John 12, we enter the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the week that leads to the cross. Mark 11 opens with the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a young donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy of the humble King who brings salvation (Zechariah 9:9). Upon entering the temple, Jesus confronts the corruption that has turned a house of prayer into a marketplace. The cursing of the barren fig tree becomes a living parable of Israel’s fruitless religion, and He teaches His disciples about believing prayer, forgiveness, and the necessity of a heart aligned with God’s will.

In John 12, Jesus is anointed at Bethany by Mary, who pours out costly perfume in an act of deep love and worship. As the crowds continue to flock to Him, including curious Greeks seeking to see Jesus, He declares that His hour has come. The One who is Life will give His life, like a grain of wheat falling into the ground to produce much fruit. Jesus speaks of His approaching death, the judgment of this world, and the lifting up of the Son of Man that will draw all people to Himself. Though many have seen His signs, still not all believe.

Mark 11 — The King Enters His City and Calls for True Worship

As Mark 11 opens, Jesus approaches the final week of His earthly ministry. Nearing Jerusalem, He comes to Bethphage and Bethany on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, preparing to enter the city as the Messianic King (v. 1). He sends two disciples to the village with specific instructions: they will find a colt tied there, one that has never been ridden, and they are to untie it and bring it to Him (v. 2). If questioned, they are to say that the Lord has need of it and will return it shortly (v. 3). The disciples find everything just as Jesus described and obey His instructions, placing their cloaks on the colt for Him to sit on (v. 4–7). The clear details and the willing response of the owners show Jesus’ divine knowledge and purposeful control of the situation. The choice of a young donkey also fulfills Zechariah 9:9, revealing Israel’s King arriving in humility to bring salvation, not as a warrior on a horse, but as a peaceful Redeemer.

As Jesus rides toward Jerusalem, many spread their outer garments on the road while others cut leafy branches from the fields (v. 7–8), a gesture showing honor to Him as a king. Mark does not mention palm branches specifically (John does, John 12:13), but he focuses on what the crowd is shouting from Psalm 118: “Hosanna” (meaning “save now,” used as both a plea and a praise) and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (v. 9). Their reference to “the coming kingdom of our father David” reflects their expectation that the Messiah would restore the kingdom to Israel, though many were thinking in political terms rather than understanding the spiritual nature of His mission (v. 10).

After entering Jerusalem, Jesus goes into the temple courts rather than the inner sanctuary and looks around at everything taking place (v. 11). Because it is already late in the day, He and the Twelve return to Bethany for the night. This careful observation sets the stage for what He will do on the following day.

The next morning, as they leave Bethany, Jesus becomes hungry and sees a fig tree covered with leaves in the distance (v. 12–13). In the springtime around Passover, fig trees normally begin producing small edible buds before the full crop appears. Leaves without these early figs indicate that the tree will not bear fruit that year. Finding only leaves, Jesus says that no one will ever eat fruit from the tree again, and the disciples hear Him say it (v. 14). His words are not spoken out of frustration but serve as a prophetic sign. Mark will later show the tree withered, intentionally placing this event before and after the cleansing of the temple (v. 20–26) so the two episodes interpret one another. Like a tree that looks fruitful but produces nothing, Israel’s worship appeared active on the outside but lacked the genuine righteousness God desired. The fig tree symbolizes coming judgment on empty, outward religion.

When Jesus returns to the temple, He finds the outer court filled with people buying and selling. This Court of the Gentiles was the only place where non-Jews could come and seek the Lord, yet it had been transformed into a noisy marketplace. Merchants sold animals for sacrifices, money changers exchanged currency for the temple tax, and people even used the court as a shortcut to carry goods across the city. What was initially designed to assist worshipers had become corrupted, commercialized, distracting, and unjust, turning hearts away from genuine worship and crowding out those who were seeking God.

Jesus responds with righteous authority. He drives out the buyers and sellers, overturns the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves, and prevents people from using the temple court as a pathway for business (v. 15–16). He declares God’s purpose for His house by quoting Scripture: it was to be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7), but the leaders had turned it into “a den of robbers” (Jeremiah 7:11) (v. 17). His quotation is intentional, God’s heart is for all people, including Gentiles, to know Him. Jesus confronts not only greedy practices but also a system that hindered the very mission of the temple: to draw the nations to the Lord.

This bold act exposes the spiritual failure of the religious leaders and challenges the authority and profit systems they controlled. The chief priests and scribes immediately begin seeking a way to destroy Him, fearing His influence and the crowd’s admiration (v. 18). The people, amazed by His teaching, recognize an authority that is pure, godly, and unlike anything they’d seen in the religious establishment. Yet the leaders refuse to repent; instead of receiving correction, they harden their hearts. When evening comes, Jesus and His disciples leave the city and return to Bethany (v. 19), marking a temporary withdrawal before He continues His final week leading to the cross.

The next morning, the disciples see the fig tree withered from the roots (v. 20). Peter points it out with surprise, and Jesus uses the moment to teach them about faith, prayer, and the heart that must accompany both (v. 21). He tells them that true faith in God can overcome even the greatest obstacles, using the picture of a mountain being cast into the sea (v. 22–23). Jesus is not teaching that prayer allows someone to force God to do whatever they want, but that believers can trust God to accomplish what is humanly impossible when they pray in alignment with His will and character.

Jesus then adds an essential principle: when praying, they must forgive others so that their Father in heaven will forgive them (v. 24–25). Fellowship with God cannot be separated from how we treat others. A believer who has received God’s forgiveness is expected to forgive others. Unforgiveness hinders prayer and blocks spiritual growth. True faith expresses itself through obedience, humility, love, and restored relationships.

When Jesus returns to the temple courts, the chief priests, scribes, and elders confront Him and demand to know by what authority He was doing these things and who had given Him that authority (v. 27–28). Their goal was not to learn the truth, but to undermine Him publicly in front of the crowds. Instead of answering directly, Jesus responds with a question of His own: Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men? (v. 29–30). This forced the leaders to face the truth they had already rejected.

The leaders quickly realize the dilemma. If they say John’s ministry was from heaven, Jesus would ask why they did not believe him. If they say it was merely human, they feared the crowd, because the people believed John was a prophet (v. 31–32). Unwilling to commit to either answer, they claim ignorance. Jesus then refuses to answer their question (v. 33). Their response reveals their true condition: they were not interested in truth, only in protecting their position and authority. They demanded proof of Jesus’ authority, yet they had already rejected clear evidence from both John’s ministry and Jesus’ works. Their refusal to acknowledge what they knew in their hearts exposed their spiritual blindness and hardened unbelief.

Throughout Mark 11, two themes stand out. First, Jesus entered Jerusalem as the rightful King, yet many misunderstood the nature of His kingdom. Second, He confronted a religious system that valued rituals, status, and outward performance over sincere devotion and obedience. The fig tree and the temple cleansing together illustrated that God looks for genuine fruit of holiness, justice, and faith, not empty religious activity.

For believers today, this chapter reminds us that Christ still seeks hearts that welcome Him as King. Worship must be sincere and rooted in obedience to God, not outward form. Faith should bear fruit through prayer, forgiveness, and righteous living. Those who profess to follow Christ are called to produce evidence of transformed lives. The warning to the religious leaders and the barren fig tree urges us to examine our hearts, ensuring that our worship is genuine, our faith is active, and our surrender to Christ is complete.

John 12 — The Anointed King, the Unbelieving Crowd, and the Call to Walk in the Light

As John 12 opens, Jesus approaches the final week of His earthly ministry, and the narrative now turns toward the cross. Six days before the Passover, Jesus comes to Bethany, where Lazarus lives, whom He had raised from the dead (v. 1). A dinner is held for Him, and Lazarus reclines at the table with Him while Martha serves (v. 2). Mary takes a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair, and the house is filled with the fragrance (v. 3).

Judas Iscariot quickly objected, pretending to care about the poor by saying that the expensive perfume should have been sold and the money given to help them (v. 4–5). John makes it clear that Judas’ concern was insincere, explaining that he was a thief and regularly helped himself to the moneybag (v. 6). Jesus defended Mary’s act of worship, saying that she had kept this perfume for the day of His burial, pointing to the nearness of His sacrificial death. He reminded them that while the poor would always be among them, He would not always be physically present with them (v. 7–8). Jesus was not discouraging care for the poor; rather, He was highlighting the uniqueness and sacredness of this moment. Mary recognized the worth of Christ and responded with wholehearted devotion, while Judas, though outwardly a disciple, revealed a heart that did not truly love Him.

This scene gently reminds us of a key truth: genuine devotion to Christ values Him above personal gain, appearances, or self-interest. Mary’s example encourages believers to offer their best to the Lord, even when others do not understand or approve. It challenges us to examine our motives: do we serve Jesus out of true love, or for what we hope to gain?

A large crowd of Jews heard that Jesus was in Bethany, and they gathered there, not only to see Him but also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead (v. 9). Lazarus had become living proof of Christ’s power, and his very presence stirred faith among many. In response, the chief priests grew more hostile and plotted to kill Lazarus as well as Jesus, because his resurrection was leading many people to believe in Jesus (v. 10–11). Instead of humbly considering the miraculous sign God had placed before them, they sought to eliminate the evidence. Lazarus’ new life became a powerful testimony that drew many to Christ, while the religious leaders hardened their hearts and tried to silence the witness rather than submit to the truth it revealed.

This moment highlights a sobering reality: the same evidence that softens one heart can harden another. Lazarus reminds us that a transformed life is one of the most compelling testimonies of Christ’s power. Believers today are called to live in such a way that others see the work of Christ in them, even if some resist or reject that testimony.

The next day, as Jesus prepared to enter Jerusalem, a great crowd went out to meet Him, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (v. 12–13). Their cry, drawn from Psalm 118, was both a plea for salvation and a joyful declaration of praise. The palm branches reflected national hope and longing for deliverance, and the title “King of Israel” showed that the crowd recognized Jesus in messianic terms, though many were still expecting a political liberator. Jesus then found a young donkey and sat on it, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy that Israel’s King would come gently, bringing salvation (v. 14–15). He entered not as a military conqueror but as a humble and peaceful Savior. In this moment, He publicly offered Himself to the nation as their promised Messiah, yet the nature of His kingdom remained misunderstood.

John notes that the disciples did not grasp the meaning of these events as they unfolded, but later, after Jesus was glorified, they remembered and understood how Scripture had been fulfilled before their eyes (v. 16). Meanwhile, the crowd who had seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead continued to spread the news, and many others were drawn to Him because of this miracle (v. 17–18). The Pharisees, seeing Jesus’ influence growing beyond anything they could stop, said to one another in frustration, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him” (v. 19). Their complaint was filled with irony, for what they viewed as loss and failure was actually the beginning of God’s plan to draw people from every nation to His Son.

Among those present are some Greeks, Gentile worshipers, who approach Philip with the request to see Jesus (v. 20–21). Their desire to meet Him indicates that the message of salvation is already drawing the nations. Philip tells Andrew, and together they bring the request to Jesus (v. 22). Jesus responded in a way that shifted the moment from curiosity to eternal significance: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (v. 23). Throughout John’s Gospel, His “hour” refers to His appointed time of suffering, death, and resurrection. Up to this point, that hour had not yet come, but now Jesus openly declares that the decisive moment of His redemptive mission has arrived. The interest of the Greeks foreshadows what His death will accomplish, salvation for both Jew and Gentile.

To explain, Jesus uses an agricultural picture: a grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die in order to bear much fruit (v. 24). His death will produce a harvest of redeemed lives. Then He applies this truth to discipleship: “Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (v. 25). To “hate” one’s life does not mean self-harm or self-contempt, but a willingness to surrender earthly priorities for the sake of Christ. Following Jesus involves self-denial, obedience, and a willingness to walk the path of the cross. Yet it comes with a promise: “If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me… and the Father will honor him” (v. 26). Salvation is by grace alone, but the sanctified life is marked by joyful submission to Christ, trusting that eternal honor from the Father far outweighs anything this world could offer.

Like the Greeks, the world around us is still asking to “see Jesus.” The question is whether they see Him in us. True discipleship means dying to self so that the life of Christ may be evident in how we live, love, and serve.

As Jesus looks ahead to the suffering of the cross, He openly acknowledges the anguish it brings: “Now is My soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour” (v. 27). These words reveal the true humanity of Christ. He fully feels the weight, sorrow, and agony of what is coming, yet His mission is unwavering. He chooses obedience to the Father’s redemptive plan, demonstrating perfect submission and love. Jesus then prays, “Father, glorify Your name,” and the Father responds audibly from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again” (v. 28). The crowd hears the sound, and while some think it is thunder, others believe an angel has spoken. Jesus explains that this voice was for their benefit, confirming the Father’s approval and bearing witness that the cross is God’s chosen means of salvation (v. 29–30).

Jesus then reveals the spiritual significance of His death: “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out” (v. 31). At the cross, the sin of humanity is exposed and judged, and Satan, the ruler of this world, is decisively defeated. Though he still opposes God’s people, his ultimate condemnation is sealed, and his power is broken. Jesus adds, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself” (v. 32). John clarifies that “lifted up” refers to the manner of His death on the cross (v. 33). Through His crucifixion, Christ will draw people from every tribe, tongue, and nation to Himself, fulfilling God’s promise that salvation extends beyond Israel to the whole world.

The crowd struggles to understand, questioning how the Son of Man could die if the Messiah is supposed to remain forever (v. 34). Their confusion arises from a selective reading of Scripture: they cling to prophecies of a reigning Messiah but overlook those that speak of a suffering Servant. Jesus does not debate their theology but urges them toward personal response: the light is with them for only a little while longer. They must believe in the light so they may become “sons of light” (v. 35–36). To reject the light leads to spiritual darkness, but trusting in Him brings life. After saying these things, Jesus withdraws and hides Himself, marking a solemn turning point as His public ministry nears its end.

Here, Jesus shows us what it means to obey the Father even when obedience is costly. He embraced the cross for the glory of God and the salvation of sinners. His example calls believers to trust God’s plan even through suffering, knowing that God uses surrender to accomplish His purposes. Christ is still drawing people to Himself, and as “sons and daughters of light,” we are called not only to walk in that light, but to reflect it so others may see Christ through us.

Despite the many signs Jesus performs, the majority of the people still do not believe in Him (v. 37). Their unbelief fulfills the words of Isaiah: “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1; v. 38). Isaiah also declared that God would blind eyes and harden hearts so that the people would not see, understand, or turn and be healed (Isaiah 6:10; v. 39–40). This does not mean God prevented sincere seekers from believing; rather, after persistent rejection, God gives them over to the hardness they choose, a sobering warning that continued resistance to truth results in spiritual blindness. John affirms that Isaiah spoke these things because he saw Christ’s glory and spoke of Him (v. 41). This shows that the majestic glory Isaiah witnessed in Isaiah 6 is the glory of the preincarnate Christ, affirming the deity of Jesus.

Yet, not all respond with open rejection. Many among the authorities do believe in Him, but fear keeps them silent, since confessing Christ would lead to being put out of the synagogue (v. 42). Their hearts cling more to the praise of people than the approval of God (v. 43). This reveals that belief that remains hidden, silent, or ashamed is not the wholehearted faith Jesus calls for. True faith is willing to confess Christ openly and obey Him, even when it is costly. Salvation is by grace alone, but saving faith produces a loyalty to Christ that places God’s glory above human acceptance.

With a final public cry, Jesus urges the crowd to respond. He declares that to believe in Him is to believe in the Father who sent Him (v. 44–45). He has come as the Light into the world so that all who believe in Him would not remain in darkness (v. 46). His purpose in His first coming is to save, not to condemn, but rejection of His words brings judgment (v. 47–48). Those who refuse His message will be judged in the last day by the very words He has spoken. Jesus stresses that He has not spoken on His own authority; everything He has said comes directly from the Father, whose command leads to eternal life (v. 49–50). To receive Christ is to receive God’s truth and life. To reject Him is to reject the Father Himself, and the consequence is judgment.

This passage warns that continual refusal of truth results in a hardened heart. It also challenges us to consider whether we value God’s approval more than human applause. Many today, like the secret believers in this chapter, admire Jesus quietly but hesitate to follow Him openly. Christ calls us to step into the light, confess Him boldly, and walk by faith. Genuine disciples do not merely agree with Jesus in their minds; they treasure Him in their hearts and demonstrate it with their lives.

John 12 presents a series of strikingly different responses to Jesus, each revealing the condition of the heart. Mary offers costly, humble devotion as she anoints Jesus for burial, illustrating worship that values Christ above all else (v. 1–8). Judas, masking greed with false concern for the poor, embodies the tragedy of proximity to Jesus without true love for Him. The crowds greet Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna” and palm branches (v. 12–13), yet their enthusiasm proves shallow once His mission does not fit their expectations.

The religious leaders, threatened by His influence and the testimony of Lazarus’ resurrection, harden their unbelief and seek to silence the truth (v. 9–11, 19). By contrast, the Greeks who desire to see Jesus (v. 20–21) picture the widening scope of the gospel, showing that the nations are being drawn to Christ. Even some authorities believe, yet fear of man keeps them from confessing Christ openly (v. 42–43).

At the center of these varied responses is Jesus’ solemn announcement that His “hour” has come. Through the cross, the world will be judged, Satan will be defeated, and salvation will be offered to all who believe. Jesus calls His hearers to walk in the light while they have the opportunity, warning that those who reject the light will remain in darkness. His final public appeal emphasizes that to receive Him is to receive the Father, and to reject Him is to reject the very words that lead to eternal life.

John 12 challenges believers to examine which response to Christ resembles our own. Mary models sacrificial worship, giving what was most precious to honor the Savior. Her devotion invites us to love Christ with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Judas warns that outward association with Jesus is not the same as genuine discipleship. The fearful authorities remind us that hidden belief falls short of the open confession Jesus desires. True faith follows Christ with trust and obedience, valuing God’s approval above human praise.

This chapter calls us to surrender our lives to Christ, the grain of wheat who died to bring forth much fruit. It affirms that salvation is by grace through faith, yet discipleship involves denying self, serving Christ, and walking in His light. The cross is not only the means of redemption, but also the pattern for the Christian life.

Conclusion

Together, Mark 11 and John 12 reveal Jesus as both King and Lamb—the promised Messiah who enters Jerusalem as the rightful King, yet comes first to suffer for the sins of the world. Mary’s heartfelt worship, the crowds’ fleeting excitement, and the leaders’ hostility all reflect the spectrum of human responses to Christ’s lordship. These chapters invite us to worship Him with authentic love, to allow faith to bear fruit in obedience, and to walk in the light of His truth while the door of grace remains open.

As we move toward the cross, we see that Jesus’ path to glory runs through humility, obedience, and sacrifice. He calls His followers to walk the same path, trusting that the One who laid down His life as the Lamb will return in power as the Lion. Blessed are those who receive Him by faith, confess Him openly, and honor Him with their lives—for He is the King who gave Himself for the salvation of the world, and He is worthy of our wholehearted devotion.