Mark 11:11-22 [NLT] I. Jesus curses . Mark 11:12–14 (NLT) 12 The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. 14 Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it. II. Jesus condemns . Mark 11:15–17 (NLT) 15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. 17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” III. Jesus replaces . John 2:19, 21 (NLT) 19 “All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”...21 But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body. IV. Religious leaders plan . Mark 11:18–19 (NLT) 18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching. 19 That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city. Instead of repenting, the chief priests and teachers of the law plotted to kill Jesus. What Now ? Mark 11:22 (NLT) Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God.” Inspect for fruitfulness, not just for faithfulness. Vigilantly keep Jesus as the central focus of your worship. Continuing The Conversation 1. Jesus was passionate about removing barriers that kept people from worshiping God. What are some ways we (personally and as a church) might unintentionally make it harder for others to encounter Jesus? How might we change that? 2. Describe why or how important is it to you that our church leaders focus on centering their worship on Jesus rather than seeking attention for the church brand or for themselves? 3. Think about the people in our community who might feel unwelcome or out of place in a church service. What steps can we take—individually and as a church—to ensure they feel seen, loved, and included? 4. What’s your response to this statement: Jesus is the new & final temple where people meet God, so there's no more need to go somewhere to make sacrifices, only to know trust in his.