THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY. This incident Wellhausen and HNT regard as
opening a new section of the gospel, which they end with Mark 13:37.
Jesus is now close to Jerusalem, Bethphage (house of young figs) being
apparently between Jerusalem and Bethany (? house of dates, so Swete,
or house of unripe fruit,... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CURSING OF THE FIG-TREE. Though it is difficult to believe that
Jesus spent only one crowded week in Jerusalem, Mk. here becomes
confidently precise in chronology, and he tells the story of the
fig-tree, distinguishing the stages in it, as if he were following
exact recollections. On the first e... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE. Jesus now follows up His survey of the
Temple with an attempt to abolish the market set up in the outermost
court, the court of the Gentiles, for the convenience of Jews who had
to purchase sacrificial victims and who wished to obtain by a dear
exchange the half-shekel w... [ Continue Reading ]
THE POWER OF FAITH. On the third day of the week, Peter draws
attention to the withered fig-tree, and Jesus uses it to illustrate
the great power of faith. The teaching does not seem to spring very
directly out of the incident. The reference to removing mountains is
rightly interpreted metaphoricall... [ Continue Reading ]
FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH RELIGIOUS LEADERS ON THE QUESTION OF AUTHORITY.
On the Tuesday, an official deputation meets Jesus in the Temple, and
asks by what right He has taken upon Himself police duties like the
control of the market. Who has given Him permission to clear the court
of the Gentiles and ev... [ Continue Reading ]