Mark 11:12-25

Old Testament Passages on Fig Trees and God’s Judgment

  • Isaiah 34:1-4

  • Jeremiah 29:15-19

  • Hosea 2:10-12

  • Joel 1:1-12

  • Micah 7:1-7

  • Isaiah 56:6-7

  • Jeremiah 7:11

Communion Reflection Questions:

  • Are there areas of my life that I need to repent because I am bearing leaves but no fruit?

  • Am I going through the motions, busy with religious work, but my heart is hardened or indifferent to God?

  • Where do I need to repent of my desire to be more focused on doing things for God than resting in and moving in obedience to God?

  • Who do I exclude from hearing God’s Word in the name of religion?

  • How do I need to pray for myself and others in light of the reality that Jesus is both Savior and Judge?

Discussion questions:

  1. Read Mark 11.12-26

  2. In our passage we are confronted with the reality that Jesus is not only our Savior but also Judge. What causes us to struggle at times at seeing or remembering Jesus is the Sovereign Judge of the world? What is the danger in not seeing this?

  3. In our passage Israel was very good at religious activity. The temple is quite busy, but their hearts are far from God. They show leaves, but bear no fruit. In what ways can we today in our church activity show leaves without bearing fruit?

  4. Take some time to walk through the diagnostic questions that were asked at the end of the sermon.

●  Are there areas of my life that I need to repent because I am bearing leaves but no fruit?

●  Am I going through the motions, busy with religious work, but my heart is hardened or indifferent to God?

●  Where do I need to repent of my desire to be more focused on doing things for God than resting in and moving in obedience to God?

●  Who do I exclude from hearing God’s Word in the name of religion?

●  How do I need to pray for myself and others in light of the reality that Jesus is both Savior and Judge?