The Temple and the Tree

What can we learn about the very unusual story of Jesus cursing a fig tree? Join us this Sunday at CrossWinds Church in Spencer as we continue in Mark 11.

Sermon Discussion Questions

1. Our sermon argues that this passage should be called the “Jesus judges the Temple” rather than “Jesus cleanses the Temple.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. What is one highlight from the sermon and one question that you had after hearing the sermon?
3. Read Mark 11:15–16. What are your first thoughts of Jesus’s actions here? How are they perhaps different after our sermon?
4. Read Mark 11:17; Isaiah 56:1–8. Why does Jesus quote from Isaiah 56? What is the difference between first century Jewish worship and God’s ideal in Isaiah 56?
5. Read Mark 11:17; Jeremiah 7:1–15. Why does Jesus quote from Jeremiah 7? What was happening in Jeremiah’s day? How was that happening in Jesus’s day? How is it happening today?
6. Read Mark 11:20–21. What is the warning of this passage for the first century Jew? What is the warning for us today?
7. Take some time to share how you wrestle with the attitude that says, “God will forgive me anyway; that’s his job.”
8. Examine your heart. Are you bearing fruit? Or are you just leaves?
9. What is true worship? How can you be a true worshiper this week?