Reading for January 12th

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 are 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 Mt. 6.9-13; Lk 11.2-4).
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