Chaplain Jill’s Devo
Pressing into Jerusalem
(Read Mark 11-12)
Reflection on the passage:
Think about a time when you went ahead with something you dreaded because you knew it was the right thing to do. Perhaps it was a tough conversation that needed to happen, a dreaded medical appointment, speaking up about an injustice, or making a major life change in order to follow God’s leading. Here in Mark 11-12, we see that Jesus boldly moved into the final stages of His earthly ministry even though He knew it would result in death on a cross.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where in a few days He would be put to death, began with three enacted parables. The first of these prophetic actions was riding into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey. The crowds shouted “Hosanna…” and placed cloaks and branches before Jesus. Although they didn’t yet understand the kind of Kingdom Jesus was ushering in, they did, in their excitement, seem to get that Jesus was proclaiming Himself the Messiah. The second enacted parable was the cursing of a fig tree just outside of Jerusalem. This was not about Jesus being “hangry.” It was an object lesson using a fig tree, a symbol of Israel, to show the consequences of unfruitfulness and rejection of God’s coming in Christ. The third prophetic action was Jesus clearing the temple of those buying and selling in the temple courts. The meaning here was multi-layered, but signified in part that this place of prayer was to be for all nations, Gentiles included, especially after Jesus became the one sacrifice for all.
In response to Jesus’ bold prophetic actions and parables upon His entry into Jerusalem, the angry religious leaders wanted Jesus killed, so they asked questions to try and trap Him. The Pharisees asked Jesus whether they should pay taxes to Caesar. The Sadducees asked about marriage in heaven, trying to show the ridiculousness of resurrection. Jesus handled each question brilliantly with moral and theological insight, not falling into their traps. Amidst this growing opposition, Jesus also taught using positive examples. He praised a teacher of the law who seemed to understand what is most important to God. He also pointed out to His disciples, a poor widow whose offering was small but generous because it was all she had.
As we choose to press into challenging situations in faithfulness to God, may we do so abiding in the One who has gone before us all the way to the cross. And may we share the love and truth of Christ with clarity and courage through the Holy Spirit.
Focus verses and questions for prayerful reflection:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:24-25)
- What is something you’ve been praying about that God may be asking you to pray for out of faith rather than out of discouragement? Talk with Him about this.
- Is there a person or group of people that you need to forgive? Where might unforgiveness in your heart be a block in your own prayer life?
For further reading:
Read Zachariah 9 for the prophecy that Jesus was enacting when He rode into Jerusalem on a colt.
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