SUMMARY.--The Official Entrance into Jerusalem.
The Barren Fig Tree Cursed.
The Second Cleansing of the Temple.
The Indignation of the Jewish Rulers.
The Power of Faith.
The Demand of the Rulers for His Authority.
Their Mouths Closed by a Question Concerning the Baptism of John.
1-10. When they came nigh to Jerusalem. On the Sunday before the
Lord's suffering. He had [199]
passed the Sabbath at Bethany. We have four accounts of this entry into
Jerusalem: here;
Matt. 21:1-11;
Luke 19:21-44; John 12:12-19.
For notes, see
Matt. 21:1-11.
11. He went out to Bethany with the twelve. After entering the
city and temple and observing the condition of things within the sacred
building he retired to Bethany for the night. As far as we know he
passed all his nights of the last week of his earthly life at Bethany,
save Thursday, perhaps to avoid the rulers in the hours of rest and to
have an opportunity for private conference with his disciples, which he
could not have in crowded Jerusalem. Besides, he had loving friends at
Bethany, who delighted to have him under their roof.
12-14. And on the morrow, when they were come out from Bethany, he
hungered. etc. See notes on
Matt. 21:17-22.
15-19. Jesus went into the temple. For notes on this cleansing
of the temple see
Matt. 21:12, 13.
Compare
Luke 19:45-48.
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20-24. They saw the fig tree dried up. See notes on
Matt. 21:19-22.
Mark adds the fact, not stated by Matthew, that this language was
spoken the day after the tree was cursed.
Believe that ye receive them. That they are yours from the
time you ask for them.
25. When ye stand praying, forgive. This is one of the
conditions of prevailing prayer. See notes on
Matt. 5:23, 24.
27-33. And they come again to Jerusalem. On Tuesday. On Sunday
the Lord entered officially. On Monday he cleansed the temple, and
cursed the fig tree. On Tuesday his disciples called attention to the
withered fig tree, and he again entered the city. There a delegation of
the rulers demanded by what authority he had driven out the money
changers the day before. For notes on his answer and what follows, see
Matt. 21:23-27.
Compare
Luke 20:1-8.
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