Sermon Snippets - Mark 11-12

Our passage this week records the first three days of the last week of Jesus' life (pre-Resurrection that is).
He knows what's coming and the Gospel of Mark makes clear references to the growing opposition that is developing (see 11:18, 11:27, 12:12).

So as the pressure rises, what does Jesus do? Where is his focus at as the day of his death draws near?

• He presents himself as the promised Messiah (11:1-11, cf. Zech. 9:9, Ps. 118:25-26).
• He condemns the fruitless religious establishment and removes from the Temple that which was distracting and inhibiting worship (11:12-19).
• He summarizes the situation in a parable and deftly responds to overt challenges from his opponents (11:27-12:37).

There are a million interesting little nuggets to dissect within these two chapters. But I am drawn to the larger theme of Jesus' strength, steadfastness, and boldness during this time. Jesus was never a victim, he was the victor - courageously and dependently embracing the will of God.

When the pressure rises in my life, my reactions naturally lean towards survival, escape, complaining, and worry.

This is why Jesus is the perfect example of faith and faithfulness. He's more than just an example, but he stands as the example to follow when the heat rises.