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Mark 11

And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

And when even was come, he went out of the city.

And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

What does Mark 11:31 mean?

Explanation

Mark 11:31 showcases the religious leaders of the day engaging in a private deliberation in response to Jesus’ challenge (posed in Mark 11:30) about the authority of John the Baptist's baptism.

They found themselves in a predicament; if they claimed that John's baptism was from heaven (meaning, divinely inspired), they would have to explain why they didn't believe John.

On the other hand, if they said his baptism was of human origin, they feared the response of the people who held John to be a prophet.

This verse exposes their concern for self-preservation and public opinion over the pursuit of truth.

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Historical Context

This event occurs during the Passion Week, the final days before Jesus' crucifixion. At this point in Jesus' ministry, he had already made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-11), and this dialogue takes place in the temple where He taught after having cleansed it (Mark 11:15-19).

The religious leaders were increasingly looking for a way to challenge Jesus' authority without losing their standing among the people.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse may be seen by Christians as illustrating human deceitfulness and the fear of acknowledging divine truth when it challenges one's power or position.

The scribes and Pharisees, instead of responding truthfully, consider the political consequences of their answer.

Some theologians may see this as an indictment of using religion for maintaining power rather than seeking truth and righteousness.

Practical Applications

This verse can inform modern readers about the dangers of letting fear, especially fear of public opinion, dictate one's actions and beliefs.

It can serve as a reminder to follow truth and integrity, even when it might be contrary to popular opinion or personal gain.

It stresses the importance of consistent faith, rather than faith that changes based on convenience or external pressures.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:25-26: "The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?"
Luke 20:5-6: "And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet."
John 5:33-36: "Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key word is "οὐρανὸς" (ouranos), which is translated to 'heaven', indicating not the sky or space, but the dwelling place of God, a realm of divine truth and authority.

The phrase "εἰς ἑαυτούς" (eis heautous) literally means 'within themselves' or 'to themselves', emphasizing an internal and private debate among the religious leaders.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, there are examples of religious leaders and rulers being reticent to acknowledge prophecies or divine interventions that would undermine their authority.

For instance, there are stories in Roman and Greek mythology where gods interact with humans, yet those in positions of power often resist acknowledging such interventions for fear of losing status or control.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives, the broader discussion of truth versus social conformity can be informed by psychological studies on cognitive dissonance and the sociology of religion, which examines how group pressure and social structures can influence individual belief systems and behaviors.

Commentaries

Most biblical scholars and commentaries interpret this verse as illustrating the duplicity of the religious leaders and their political maneuvering.

The Expositor's Greek Testament suggests that this depicts the chief priests, scribes, and elders at a loss; having been put into a corner by Jesus' sharp question, they cannot escape without self-condemnation or popular disapproval.

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible emphasizes their fear of the multitude, noting that the people were convinced of John's prophetic role.

Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the leaders were convicted by their own consciences, knowing the truth but unwilling to confess it.

Mark 11

Mark 11

What does Mark 11:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 11:31 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?