The King’s Authority: From Triumph to Prophetic Warning
- Be God's Glory
- Oct 22
- 10 min read
Welcome to Day 294 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In these powerful chapters, Jesus enters Jerusalem and begins His final public ministry before the cross, asserting His divine authority through symbolic actions, parables, confrontations, and prophetic teaching. Mark presents Jesus not as a passive figure nearing death, but as the sovereign Messiah intentionally revealing the spiritual blindness of Israel’s leaders, exposing their hypocrisy, and declaring the coming judgment upon empty religion. From the cleansing of the Temple to His prophetic discourse about the end times, these chapters show the tension between God's true kingdom and man-made systems of power. Jesus calls His followers to discernment, faith, and readiness, emphasizing that outward religion without heart transformation cannot stand in the presence of the King.
Mark 11
This chapter begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He is welcomed as the promised King with shouts of “Hosanna,” fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and presenting Himself as the Messiah. Immediately after, Jesus curses a fig tree for bearing leaves but no fruit, symbolizing the spiritual barrenness of Israel. He then enters the Temple and drives out the money changers, declaring it should be a house of prayer rather than a den of thieves, showcasing His divine authority to purify worship. The disciples later see the withered fig tree, and Jesus teaches them about the power of faith and prayer. The chapter ends with the religious leaders questioning His authority, revealing their resistance to recognizing Him as the Son of God.
Mark 12
In Mark 12, Jesus confronts the religious leaders through the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, illustrating Israel's rejection of God’s prophets and foreshadowing their plan to kill Him, the beloved Son. The Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar, but Jesus responds with divine wisdom, teaching that we must honor both earthly authority and ultimately God. The Sadducees challenge Him on the resurrection, and Jesus exposes their lack of understanding of Scripture and the power of God. Jesus identifies the greatest commandment—to love God with all one’s heart and to love one’s neighbor as oneself—affirming the heart of true faith. The chapter concludes with Jesus condemning the pride and hypocrisy of the scribes and commending the humble, sacrificial offering of the poor widow as genuine worship.
Mark 13
Mark 13 contains Jesus’ prophetic teaching about the destruction of the Temple, the signs of the end times, and His return in glory. Jesus warns His disciples of coming tribulation, false messiahs, persecution, and the necessity of spiritual vigilance. He describes cosmic disturbances and the gathering of His elect, reminding His followers that though heaven and earth will pass away, His words will never fail. Jesus emphasizes that no one knows the exact day or hour of His return, not even the angels, urging believers to stay awake and faithful. The chapter concludes with a powerful call to readiness, as Jesus portrays Himself as the Master who will return unexpectedly, searching for faithful servants.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The book is called Mark after John Mark, traditionally recognized as the author. The name “Mark” comes from the Latin Marcus, meaning “warlike” or “dedicated to Mars,” the Roman god of war. In the biblical context, the name itself is less significant than the author’s role in recording the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Purpose of the Book:
The purpose of Mark is to present Jesus as the Son of God and the suffering Messiah who came to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). It emphasizes the authority, power, and immediacy of Jesus’ actions, demonstrating His role as the Messiah and the Kingdom of God in action. Mark’s gospel is concise and fast-paced, highlighting miracles, exorcisms, healings, and authoritative teachings to encourage faith in Christ and commitment to discipleship. Scholars note that Mark wrote primarily for a Roman audience, explaining Jewish customs (Mark 7:3–4) and emphasizing action over extended teaching.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The traditional author of Mark is John Mark, a companion of Peter and Paul. Early church sources, including Papias (c. AD 60–130), indicate that Mark served as Peter’s interpreter and wrote down Peter’s eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, Chapter 39). This is supported internally by the Gospel’s vivid, firsthand descriptions of events (e.g., Mark 14:51–52) that suggest an eyewitness source. References in the New Testament also link Mark to Paul and Barnabas as a missionary companion (Acts 12:12, 25; Acts 13:5; Colossians 4:10; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24). These passages corroborate his close involvement in early ministry and the credibility of his gospel account.
Key People:
Jesus Christ – Central figure, Son of God, Messiah, Savior.
John the Baptist – Prophet preparing the way for Jesus.
The Disciples – Peter, James, John, and others called to follow Jesus and spread the Gospel.
The Pharisees and Scribes – Religious leaders who oppose Jesus’ teachings and miracles.
Pontius Pilate – Roman governor involved in Jesus’ trial.
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and other women – Witnesses of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
Judas Iscariot – The disciple who betrays Jesus.
Conclusion
The Gospel of Mark presents a compelling portrait of Jesus as both the suffering servant and the powerful Son of God. It emphasizes action, miracles, authority, and immediacy to show that faith in Christ requires both recognition of His divinity and a commitment to follow Him. Mark concludes with the resurrection, affirming Jesus’ victory over death and commissioning His followers to spread the Gospel to all nations. The book invites readers to witness the life of Christ with urgency and live faithfully in response to His teachings, power, and example.
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Mark 11
In Mark 11, God’s character is revealed through Jesus as the righteous King who expects true worship and genuine fruit from His people. He does not tolerate hypocrisy or empty religion, as seen in the cleansing of the Temple and the cursing of the fig tree. God desires hearts that are faithful, prayerful, and aligned with His will, showing that He values internal holiness over external rituals. Through Jesus' authority, we see that God is sovereign over His house, His people, and His purposes.
This chapter reveals Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)—the God of heavenly armies—who enters Jerusalem not as a passive figure but as a conquering King with full authority. Jesus also reflects Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies) through His cleansing of the Temple, showing that God is holy and sanctifies His people by removing what is defiled. The lesson from Mark 11 is that God seeks authentic worship and faith. He calls us to pray with confidence, forgive others, and bear spiritual fruit as evidence of a transformed life.
Mark 12
In Mark 12, God is revealed as patient, just, and loving. Through the parable of the vineyard, we see His long-suffering nature as He repeatedly reaches out to His people despite their rejection. Yet, He is also a God of justice who will not allow rebellion and false religion to go unpunished. His greatest commandment reveals that God desires a relationship founded on wholehearted love rather than ritualistic obligation.
In this chapter, Elohim (God the Creator and Judge) is displayed as Jesus speaks of God sending His Son to the vineyard, representing His ultimate act of love. The rejected stone becoming the cornerstone reveals God as El Elyon (God Most High) who exalts His purposes above human schemes. The lesson from Mark 12 is that God values sincerity of heart over outward appearance. He teaches that loving God and loving others is the greatest calling of every believer, and He honors humility and sacrifice, as seen in the widow’s offering.
Mark 13
In Mark 13, God is revealed as all-knowing, sovereign, and faithful to His promises. Jesus describes future events with precise detail, demonstrating that God is in full control of history, kingdoms, and the destiny of mankind. Even in warnings of judgment, God’s character shows mercy as He prepares His people to remain steadfast and discerning.
There are no specific Hebrew names mentioned, but the chapter strongly reflects God as Sovereign King and Eternal Judge, who rules over time and eternity. He is a protector who promises to gather His elect, and a faithful Lord who assures that His words will never pass away. The lesson in Mark 13 is that God calls us to spiritual alertness and readiness. He teaches that true faith is not passive but watchful, enduring, and anchored in the certainty of His return.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple in Mark 11 reveal God’s holiness and intolerance for empty or corrupt worship?
In what ways do the parables in Mark 12 reflect God’s patience and long-suffering toward His people despite their rejection of His messengers?
What does Jesus’ authority over the fig tree and Temple in Mark 11 teach us about God’s right to judge His people’s spiritual fruitfulness?
How does Mark 12:10–11 show God’s sovereignty in using what is rejected by men to fulfill His divine purpose?
In Mark 13, how does God’s foreknowledge of future events reveal His omniscience and control over history and time?
What does Jesus’ emphasis on faith, prayer, and forgiveness in Mark 11 teach us about God’s desire for relationship over ritual?
How does Jesus’ promise to gather His elect in Mark 13 reflect God’s faithfulness to protect and preserve His people through times of tribulation?
Questions About Themes:
How does the withered fig tree symbolize the theme of spiritual fruitfulness versus spiritual barrenness in the life of a believer or religious system?
What major theme is presented through Jesus’ confrontation with the religious leaders in Mark 11–12 regarding true versus false authority?
In Mark 12, how does the parable of the tenants highlight the theme of human rebellion against God’s ownership and lordship?
How do the greatest commandments in Mark 12 reveal the central theme of love as the core of the Kingdom of God?
What theme is emphasized in Mark 13 with Jesus’ warnings about deception, false messiahs, and the need for spiritual discernment?
How does Jesus’ teaching on the end times reflect the theme of readiness and perseverance in the face of trials and persecution?
How does the contrast between the widow’s offering and the religious leaders in Mark 12 reinforce the theme of humility versus pride?
Reflective Application Questions:
What “fig leaves” or outward forms of religion might be present in your life without the genuine fruit of faith and obedience, and how can you address them?
In what ways might Jesus be calling you to cleanse the “temple” of your heart from distractions, compromise, or spiritual complacency?
How are you responding to God’s authority in your life—are there areas where you resist His lordship like the religious leaders did in Mark 12?
How can you more fully live out the greatest commandments by loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving others sacrificially?
What steps can you take to cultivate spiritual alertness and discernment in a world where deception and distraction are increasing?
As Jesus warns about His return in Mark 13, how does this challenge you to live with greater urgency, purpose, and faithfulness in your daily life?
What does the widow’s example in Mark 12 teach you about trust in God with your resources, and how can you begin to give or serve with greater sincerity and sacrifice?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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