(Mark 11:1-19) Outward signs do not equal spiritual maturity THE TRIUMPHANT ENTRY We will cover next week For today, know that Jesus is establishing Himself as the promised King, Messiah MONDAY HE CURSES THE FIG TREE AND CLEANSES THE TEMPLE The fig tree. (Mark 11:12-14) Sign of Kingdom living Garden of Eden Sitting under the fig tree “peace and security” Destruction of fig tree sign of decline, destruction, or insecure times Fruit comes before the leaves A leafed out tree with no fruit is a hypocrite The fig tree is symbol of Israel and the kingdom The temple cleansing Jesus surveyed the temple the day before (11) He threw out the merchants that were there for the money, not for worship Sacrificial animals became an industry and corrupt. Had to be ok’d by a priest. No more personal sacrifice, just by your animal and have it sacrificed. We do this with ministry and money today. No personal involvement, we just buy the work to be done. God’s purpose for Israel was to create worship of Yahweh in all the nations. They failed at the task. We have the same task. To bring the nations under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Tuesday Jesus taught (11:27-13:37) Saw the withered fig tree (11:27) Jesus questioned by Pharisees and Sadducees (12:28-12:44) The Olivet Discourse (13:1-36) Takes up over 5 chapters in Matthew Jesus teaches the disciples and instructs them about the Day of the Lord Jesus taught the disciples how to live in the kingdom and how to look for His coming back We would do well to study this discourse Three things (Roger Thomas) Promise without performance Profession without Prayer Practice without Purpose Conclusion: Do you emphasize the outward signs of Christianity without doing the will of God? Do you do the right things without prayer? Do you play church or are you living in the Kingdom of Christ?