Daily Bible Plan - Mark 11 (Pt.2)

20. November 2025

Devotion by Lady Anita Antwi

Theme: Unleashed for Kingdom Advancement - Mark 11:15-33

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global prayer family

INTRODUCTION

Today we’re continuing our journey through Mark 11. Yesterday we looked at the first part of the chapter—Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the symbolic cursing of the fig tree. We saw a Savior who confronts empty religion and calls us into authentic relationship with Him.

Now, as we move into the next section of Mark 11, the intensity of Jesus’ mission becomes even clearer. In these verses—from the cleansing of the temple to the withering of the fig tree to the challenge of Jesus’ authority—Mark shows us not only what Jesus does, but what Jesus desires from His people.

This passage invites us to examine our hearts, our worship, our faith, and our obedience. It calls us to allow Jesus to cleanse, reorder, and renew anything in us that hinders real fruit. Let’s walk through the text together and allow the Spirit to speak deeply into our lives.

1. Mark 11:15–17 — Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Scripture

“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’” — Mark 11:15–17

Reflection

Jesus’ boldest public action is not against Rome, but against religion gone wrong.

The temple—intended to be a place of prayer, repentance, worship, and communion with God—had become a marketplace, a machine, a convenience store. The outward activity continued, but the heart of worship was missing.

Jesus’ cleansing of the temple mirrors what He wants to do in us:clear out whatever keeps us from true worship.

He wasn’t angry because they were selling items; He was grieved because they replaced communion with commerce, and prayer with profit.

Example

Imagine a church lobby filled with vendors yelling prices, card swipers, and crowds negotiating. Imagine trying to pray with that noise around you. Now imagine that happening in the one place God designated for His presence.

Or think of your heart like a room meant for prayer—but over time, it becomes cluttered:

• worries stacked in the corner

• resentment piled on a table

• hustle and busyness scattered everywhere

Jesus lovingly walks in and begins to clean house—not to shame but to restore.

Application

• What has cluttered my heart and distracted me from God?

• Have I allowed “good” activities to replace true worship?

• What does Jesus need to overturn in me so prayer becomes central again?

2. Mark 11:18–19 — The Reaction of the Religious Leaders

Scripture

“The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.” — Mark 11:18

Reflection

Jesus confronted corruption; instead of repenting, the leaders plotted murder.Why? Because the authority of Jesus threatened their control.

Sometimes when the Holy Spirit convicts us, we respond defensively.We resist change. We protect our comfort.The religious leaders chose self-preservation over transformation.

Example

When someone touches a sensitive area in our life—our habits, our pride, our patterns—we may respond like the leaders did: “Don’t touch that.”

But Jesus never confronts to condemn—He confronts to free.

Application

• How do I respond when God challenges me?

• Am I more concerned about looking spiritual than being transformed?

3. Mark 11:20–21 — The Withered Fig Tree

Scripture

“In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.”“Peter remembered and said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!’” — Mark 11:20–21

Reflection

The fig tree looked healthy from the outside but had no fruit.Its withering is a picture of what happens when there is:

• activity without intimacy

• religion without relationship

• leaves without fruit

The curse wasn’t punishment—it was a prophetic sign:God desires authenticity, not appearance.

The tree didn’t fail because it was weak. It failed because it pretended.

Example

Think of a fruit snack wrapper that says “strawberry flavor” but has no strawberries.Or a plastic plant that looks real but is lifeless.

God isn’t impressed with religious cosmetics.He wants the fruit of:

• humility

• obedience

• love

• forgiveness

• faith

• prayer

Application

• Am I producing real spiritual fruit or just “leaves” of appearance?

• What areas of my life need God to restore true growth?

4. Mark 11:22–25 — Faith, Prayer, and Forgiveness

Scripture

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.“…If you say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and do not doubt…but believes…it will be done for you.”“…And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.” — Mark 11:22–25

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Reflection

Jesus turns the disciples’ attention from the withered tree to the power of faith.

What God desires is not empty religion but:

1. Faith that trusts

2. Prayer that believes

3. Forgiveness that frees

Mountains symbolize impossible obstacles. Jesus reveals that faith is not about how strong we feel—it’s about who God is.

But notice the connection:unforgiveness clogs the pipeline of prayer.

A heart holding onto offense cannot fully hold onto God.

Example

Think of a garden hose. If it’s kinked, the water pressure stops.Unforgiveness is the kink in the spiritual hose.

Or imagine carrying a heavy backpack every day. Forgiveness is dropping the weight so you can walk freely again.

Application

• What “mountain” do I need to bring to God today?

• Who do I need to forgive so my heart can be clear before God?

• Am I praying with expectation or hesitation?

5. Mark 11:27–33 — The Question of Authority

Scripture

“By what authority are you doing these things?” — Mark 11:28

Reflection

The religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority—not because they want truth, but because they want to trap Him.

This reveals a key truth:

We either submit to Jesus’ authority or challenge it.There is no neutral stance.

When God leads us to obedience, we often respond with:

• “But why?”

• “But what about them?”

• “But what if it’s difficult?”

The real question is:Does Jesus have full authority in my life, or only selective authority?

Example

Like a person who wants Jesus as Savior but not as Lord—they want Him to save them from sin, but not from their habits.They want His blessing but resist His commands.

The religious leaders lost the plot because they wanted control more than truth.

Application

• In what area am I resisting God’s authority?

• Do I follow Jesus when it’s easy, or also when it’s uncomfortable?

• Am I more like the disciples who trust Him, or the leaders who challenge Him?

CONCLUSION

As we come to the end of Mark 11, the message is unmistakable:Jesus desires more than leaves—He desires fruit.He desires more than routine—He desires relationship.He desires more than outward appearance—He desires a surrendered heart.

The cleansing of the temple reminds us that Jesus will lovingly confront anything that distracts us from true worship.The withered fig tree warns us against the danger of empty spirituality.The teaching on faith and forgiveness shows us the kind of life God blesses—one that trusts Him completely and releases others freely.And the challenge to Jesus’ authority reveals the choice every believer must make:Will we submit or resist? Will we follow or fight?

May this passage stir in us a deeper desire for purity, authenticity, and obedience.May our lives become “houses of prayer,” places where God is welcomed, honored, and obeyed.And may we bear the kind of fruit that brings glory to Jesus—today and every day.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart as You cleansed the temple.Remove distraction, impurity, and anything that hinders my worship.Make me fruitful, full of faith, full of forgiveness, full of prayer.I submit to Your authority today—fully, humbly, and joyfully.

Amen.