Scripture reading – Mark 11
We are reminded the Gospel of Mark is one of the three Synoptic Gospels (the others being the Gospels of Matthew and Luke), and today’s Scripture reading is a parallel to our study of Christ’s Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-16). His entrance into the city set in motion the final days that concluded with His appointment with the Cross.
Having already considered His grand coronation as the King of Israel, I forego another detailed study of Jesus’ approach to the city and the great crowd that greeted Him. Remember, though, He was welcomed as “He that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest” (Mark 11:9-10). Yet, in a few days, many of those same voices would scorn and mock Jesus as He hung dying on the Cross.
Mark and Matthew noted Jesus drove the money changers out of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19). Mark also recorded the miracle when Christ cursed the fig tree. Pronouncing that it bore nothing but leaves, it withered and died (Mark 11:12-14; Matthew 21:18-22).
Faith and Forgiveness (Mark 11:22-26)
Two topics, “Faith” and “Forgiveness,” are the subjects of Mark 11:22-26. The LORD’s instructions for both were beautiful in their simplicity and convicting in their application (Mark 11:22-26). After He challenged His disciples on faith and prayer, He admonished them, “If ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses” (Mark 11:25-26).
One of the most besetting sins in the 21st-century church is an unwillingness to deal with offenses biblically. When we allow bitterness to fester in our souls, it spreads like an unwanted disease, defiling us emotionally and degrading us physically.
Harboring an unforgiving spirit not only robs us of joy but also hinders our prayers.
Closing thoughts –
Dear reader, have you been infected by an angry, unforgiving, bitter spirit? Are you harboring anger toward parents for what you perceive as slights during your youth? Perhaps you are a parent and find yourself struggling with bitterness because a child has disgraced you and the family by foolish, sinful actions. Has your marriage become embittered because of harsh words and broken vows?
Believers, we are commanded to be “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). When you grasp the magnitude of the sins God has forgiven you, you will find no justification for being unwilling to forgive others!
After all, an unwillingness to forgive indicates a soul that has never entered into God’s forgiveness (Matthew 18:23-35).
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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