Question 1

What is the meaning of Jesus riding a colt into Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Jesus riding a colt into Jerusalem shows Him coming as a humble king. A colt was a simple animal, not a war horse, which points to peace and lowliness rather than earthly power. The animal had never been ridden, which fits with something set apart for a special use. When people spread their garments and branches on the road and shouted “Hosanna,” they were welcoming Him as the promised king sent by God. So this scene shows both His gentleness and His royal authority at the same time.

Question 2

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree when it had only leaves?

Accepted Answer

The fig tree had plenty of leaves, which usually hints that there might be fruit, but when Jesus came to it, there was nothing to eat. He used this as a living picture of Israel, and especially its leaders, who had the outward show of religion but no real fruit of righteousness. When He said no one would eat fruit from it again, it showed God’s judgment on empty, fruitless religion. The tree withering from the roots later on confirmed that this was not just about plants but about spiritual barrenness.

Question 3

Why did Jesus drive out the money changers from the temple?

Accepted Answer

Jesus drove out those buying and selling in the temple because they had turned a place meant for prayer into a marketplace. People were changing money and selling animals for sacrifice in ways that filled the courts with noise, profit, and unfair gain. Jesus quoted Scripture, saying God’s house should be a house of prayer for all nations, but they had made it a den of thieves. By overturning tables and stopping people from carrying goods through, He showed His zeal for pure worship and His authority over God’s house.

Question 4

What does Jesus mean by "Have faith in God" here?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says, “Have faith in God,” He is teaching His disciples to trust God’s power and faithfulness, not their own strength. He connects this faith with prayer, saying that when they pray, they should believe that God hears and is able to do what seems impossible, like a mountain being cast into the sea. This is not about getting anything we wish for selfishly, but about a settled confidence that God can do what He has promised. Real faith does not doubt God’s ability or His goodness.

Question 5

How are faith, prayer, and forgiveness connected in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Jesus links faith, prayer, and forgiveness very closely. He tells the disciples to pray with faith, believing that God will answer. But He also adds that when they stand praying, they must forgive anyone they hold something against. If they refuse to forgive, they cannot expect their Father in heaven to forgive their own sins. So the passage shows that trusting God and asking Him for help cannot be separated from a forgiving heart. A forgiven person is meant to be forgiving toward others.

Question 6

Why were the chief priests and scribes afraid of Jesus?

Accepted Answer

The chief priests and scribes were afraid of Jesus because of the effect He had on the people. When He taught in the temple and cleansed it, the crowds were astonished at His teaching and clearly respected His authority. The leaders felt their own power and position were threatened. They wanted to destroy Him, but they feared the people’s reaction, since many saw Jesus and even John the Baptist as messengers from God. Their fear came from a guilty conscience and a desire to keep their own control.

Question 7

What is the significance of the fig tree withering from the roots?

Accepted Answer

When the disciples saw the fig tree withered from the roots, it showed that Jesus’ words had real power and that the judgment He spoke was complete, not just surface-level. Roots are the life source of a tree, so a tree dried up from the roots is finished. This picture matches the idea that outward religion without true heart change will not stand. It also becomes the setting for Jesus’ teaching on faith in God, showing that His commands over creation back up His call to trust and obey Him.

Question 8

Why did Jesus question the leaders about John’s baptism?

Accepted Answer

When the leaders asked Jesus about His authority, He answered with a question about whether John’s baptism was from heaven or from men. This put them in a corner. If they admitted it was from heaven, they would condemn themselves for not believing John. If they said it was merely human, they feared the crowd, who regarded John as a prophet. By doing this, Jesus exposed their dishonesty and unwillingness to face the truth. Since they refused to answer honestly, He did not grant them the explanation they demanded.

Question 9

How does this passage warn against empty religion?

Accepted Answer

The barren fig tree and the busy but corrupt temple both warn against having the appearance of faith without real obedience and love for God. The fig tree had leaves but no fruit. The temple was full of religious activity, but much of it served greed and convenience instead of honest prayer. Jesus judged both: He cursed the tree and cleansed the temple. This shows that God cares not just about outward forms, but about hearts that bear the fruit of righteousness and use His house as a true place of prayer.

Question 10

How can a believer today apply the teaching on prayer in this passage?

Accepted Answer

A believer today can apply this teaching by coming to God in prayer with real trust and a forgiving heart. That means asking for things in line with God’s will, believing He hears and is able to answer, even when situations look impossible. It also means checking our hearts for bitterness or grudges. If we are holding something against someone, Jesus tells us to forgive as we stand praying. Putting these words into practice shapes our habits of prayer and keeps our relationship with God open and honest.

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,

The Triumphal Entry

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

The Withered Fig Tree

Jesus’ Authority Challenged

The Triumphal Entry

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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,

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The Triumphal Entry

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

The Withered Fig Tree

Jesus’ Authority Challenged

The Triumphal Entry

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