Mark:11

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* Verse 1-11 - Christ 's coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably , shows that he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies . This would encourage his disciples who were full of fear . Also , that he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings . But all marked his humiliation ; and these matters teach us not to mind high things , but to condescend to those of low estate . How ill it becomes Christians to take state , when Christ was so far from claiming it ! They welcomed his person ; Blessed is he that cometh , the "He that should come ," so often promised , so long expected ; he comes in the name of the Lord . Let him have our best affections ; he is a blessed Saviour , and brings blessings to us , and blessed be He that sent him . Praises be to our God , who is in the highest heavens , over all , God blessed for ever . * Verse 12-18 - Christ looked to find some fruit , for the time of gathering figs , though it was near , was not yet come ; but he found none . He made this fig-tree an example , not to the trees , but to the men of that generation . It was a figure of the doom upon the Jewish church , to which he came seeking fruit , but found none . Christ went to the temple , and began to reform the abuses in its courts , to show that when the Redeemer came to Zion , it was to turn away ungodliness from Jacob . The scribes and the chief priests sought , not how they might make their peace with him , but how they might destroy him . A desperate attempt , which they could not but fear was fighting against God . * Verse 19-26 - The disciples could not think why that fig-tree should so soon wither away ; but all wither who reject Christ ; it represented the state of the Jewish church . We should rest in no religion that does not make us fruitful in good works . Christ taught them from hence to pray in faith . It may be applied to that mighty faith with which all true Christians are endued , and which does wonders in spiritual things . It justifies us , and so removes mountains of guilt , never to rise up in judgment against us . It purifies the heart , and so removes mountains of corruption , and makes them plain before the grace of God . One great errand to the throne of grace is to pray for the pardon of our sins ; and care about this ought to be our daily concern . * Verse 27-33 - Our Saviour shows how near akin his doctrine and baptism were to those of John ; they had the same design and tendency , to bring in the gospel kingdom . These elders did not deserve to be taught ; for it was plain that they contended not for truth , but victory : nor did he need to tell them ; for the works he did , told them plainly he had authority from God ; since no man could do the miracles which he did , unless God were with him . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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