HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Mark 11:12-25

Key Verse 11:22

1. Read v. 12. This passage says that Jesus was hungry.  What does this tell us about Jesus? (John 1:14; Phil 2:5-7)  

2. Read v. 13.  Jesus saw “a fig tree in leaf.”  The first time fig leaves are mentioned in the Bible is when Adam and Eve used them as “coverings” after they sinned (see Genesis 3:7).  What does making “coverings” suggest about the problem Adam and Eve had after sinning?  How does this problem persist in the lives of many today?

3. Read v. 14. Could Jesus’ curse on the tree be a herald of good news about the true remedy to the problem suffered by the descendants of the first Adam?

4. Read vs. 15-19 along with 1 Cor 16:19-20.  The temple is described as “a house of prayer for all nations.”  What do the expressions ‘My house’ and ‘prayer’ indicate about God’s desire for men? (Exodus 25:8; Gen 12:2-3)  What do Jesus’ actions (i.e., clearing the temple and teaching God’s Word from there) show about the ultimate purpose of Jesus’ coming? (Col 1:21-23)

5. Read vs. 20-21.  Many ‘saw’ but only Peter ‘remembered’ and spoke to Jesus.  What can we learn from him?

6. Read vs. 22-23. Jesus said, “Have faith in God” rather than in someone or something else.  Why do you think Jesus said this? (Mark 10:27)  Did Jesus’ disciples ever throw physical mountains into the Mediterranean Sea by faith?  Why do you think Jesus talked about throwing a mountain? 

7. Read vs. 24-25.  Do you have any grudges against anyone?  Do you find it difficult to forgive that person?  Why do you think Jesus said, “...so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins”? This passage starts with Jesus seeing a fig tree in leaf and ends with Jesus talking about the forgiveness of sins.  Why is sin such an important issue of life?  How can we have this problem of sin completely resolved?

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