February 22, 2026

Lessons from the Lord #

Mark 11:15-18

Mark 11:12-33

Introduction

We have been going through the book of Mark on Sunday mornings, and we have gotten behind a little. So, I will continue that series tonight. We are picking up toward the end of Jesus ministry. His disciples have spent a great deal of time ministering with him. Last time, we looked at the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We are going to look at three lessons given by the Lord.

I. Filth in the Patio (Mark 11:15-18) #

A. Dealing #

Animals were not a problem in the temple, they were required for sacrifice.
Money was not a problem in the temple, they would give.

i. Convenience - Travelers & Transport #

Too difficult for people to travel all the way to the temple with their sacrifice… just buy one there.
Convenience had corrupted dedication and holy commandments from God.
We see that today, as convenience interrupts many Christian’s schedules and lives, allowing christianity to slip into an easy second, third place.
It was less personal, it wasn’t their lamb, from their flock, that they had spend time with.

ii. Corruption - Animals & money #

Arrive at the temple, and you have the seller, and the buyer, and a market environment
- Seller is trying to get a good price…. … Buyer is trying to get a good deal… …
- Money changers became essential, as different currencies, adding yet another dynamic to the mix.
People involved in this market, were not even concerned about holiness, worship, it became a business to make money!

B. Diminished Worship #

It was as if a market were right outside the temple.
Those who did go to worship, had to fight the market crowds outside the temple.

i. When Duty over takes sacred responsibility, worship and meaning fall to the side. #

II. Faith with the Prayer (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26) #

This starts before they ever go into the temple.

A. Jesus is perfect #

i. Jesus was not disappointed #

The time of figs was not yet. (13c)
Jesus was not ignorant of the times and seasons.

ii. Jesus was not reacting because of flesh #

We tend to react to the needs of our flesh, with frustration… that is not what Jesus is doing.

B. Jesus prophetic illustration? #

i. Possible prophetic illustration of Israel #

Fruit was not in season, and it was not going to bear fruit… a symbolic of Israel not being fruitful?

C. Jesus picture (14*, 20-26) “and his disciples heard it.” #

i. Jesus intended them to hear. (14) #

Jesus leaves the temple, and city (19, only to return in the AM 20)
22 – “Have Faith in God”

ii. It was a great illustration of prayer and faith! #

Prayer must be made in faith! Believing God!

iii. Prayer must be made in forgiveness (25) #

When we hold grudges, and unforgiveness, we hinder and hold back our own life.
Bitter christians are like the fruitless tree… they are out of season, with unanswered prayers!

Heb. 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

III. Fallacy of the Priests (Mark 11:27-33) #

They were on their way to Jerusalem.
The chielf priests, scribes and the elders… this was a temple delegation meeting him at the entrance.
In Mark 11:16 – Jesus was policing the actions of the people in the Temple.
Undoubtedly his return, had caused people to whisper, and caution others.

A. Questioned his authority #

When man becomes the authority in a religion, we have a problem!
There are many religions that have man in charge…. That man will tell you he hears from God, but they are contrary to the Word of God!
Jesus is the Authority!

B. Question about John #

John was sent to be a witness for Jesus!

John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

i. The priests could not admit this… it would condemn them! #

ii. Jesus was the master of this chess game, and they simply could not beat him. #

C. Jesus didn’t need to answer to them! #

They thought they had authority… but Jesus has more authority!

John 1:1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.