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âMark 11:1-25, 27-33 MSGâŹ
[1-3] When they were nearing Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany on Mount Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: âGo to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, youâll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it. If anyone asks, âWhat are you doing?â say, âThe Master needs him, and will return him right away.ââ [4-7] They went and found a colt tied to a door at the street corner and untied it. Some of those standing there said, âWhat are you doing untying that colt?â The disciples replied exactly as Jesus had instructed them, and the people let them alone. They brought the colt to Jesus, spread their coats on it, and he mounted. [8-10] The people gave him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they had cut in the fields. Running ahead and following after, they were calling out, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in Godâs name! Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in highest heaven! [11] He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple. He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late, so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve. [12-14] As they left Bethany the next day, he was hungry. Off in the distance he saw a fig tree in full leaf. He came up to it expecting to find something for breakfast, but found nothing but fig leaves. (It wasnât yet the season for figs.) He addressed the tree: âNo one is going to eat fruit from you againâever!â And his disciples overheard him. [15-17] They arrived at Jerusalem. Immediately on entering the Temple Jesus started throwing out everyone who had set up shop there, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of the bankers and the stalls of the pigeon merchants. He didnât let anyone even carry a basket through the Temple. And then he taught them, quoting this text: My house was designated a house of prayer for the nations; Youâve turned it into a hangout for thieves. [18] The high priests and religion scholars heard what was going on and plotted how they might get rid of him. They panicked, for the entire crowd was carried away by his teaching. [19] At evening, Jesus and his disciples left the city. [20-21] In the morning, walking along the road, they saw the fig tree, shriveled to a dry stick. Peter, remembering what had happened the previous day, said to him, âRabbi, lookâthe fig tree you cursed is shriveled up!â [22-25] Jesus was matter-of-fact: âEmbrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, âGo jump in the lakeââno shuffling or hemming and hawingâand itâs as good as done. Thatâs why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and youâll get Godâs everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that itâs not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgiveâonly then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.â
[27-28] Then when they were back in Jerusalem once again, as they were walking through the Temple, the high priests, religion scholars, and leaders came up and demanded, âShow us your credentials. Who authorized you to speak and act like this?â [29-30] Jesus responded, âFirst let me ask you a question. Answer my question and then Iâll present my credentials. About the baptism of Johnâwho authorized it: heaven or humans? Tell me.â [31-33] They were on the spot, and knew it. They pulled back into a huddle and whispered, âIf we say âheaven,â heâll ask us why we didnât believe John; if we say âhumans,â weâll be up against it with the people because they all hold John up as a prophet.â They decided to concede that round to Jesus. âWe donât know,â they said. Jesus replied, âThen I wonât answer your question either.â


Verse 26 is also missing.