Reading for January 19th

Read Mark 11.12-25
In verses 12-14 (Mt 21.18-20; Lk 13.6-9): Cursing the fig tree.
Mark may intend the tree to symbolize Jerusalem; its cursing and withering (11.20) frame Jesus' entry into the city.
Like the tree, the city fails to bear fruit; much of Jerusalem was destroyed during the war against Rome in 66-70 CE.
In verses 15-19 (Mt 21.12-17; Lk 19.45-48; Jn 2.13-25): The temple protest.
See comment on Mt 21.12-13.
In verse 17 see Isa. 56.7; Jer 7.11.
The Temple was a house of prayer for all the nations; the scene is set in the Court of the Gentiles.
In verse 18 the crowds support Jesus' the chief priests and scribes replace the Pharisees as Jesus' opponents.
In verses 20-25 The dead fig tree.
The two-stage miracle (see 8.22-26) frames the entry into Jerusalem.
In verse 21 Rabbi means "my teacher."
In verses 24-25 Mark frequently highlights prayer (1.35; 9.29; 11.17); the verses echo the Lord's Prayer (see 6.9-13; Lk 11.2-4).
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