Lesson 19: The King, Prophet, and Priest

Instructor: Jeremy Thomas

Focus: The final week of Jesus’ life (Mark 11 – Mark 12:12)

Introduction

Imagine a birthday party piñata—colorful, promising, but empty inside. This illustrates the theme of today’s lesson: how things that appear full of life can actually be spiritually hollow.

I. Jesus as the King Who Offers Peace

Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-6)

• Jesus sends disciples to get a colt, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9-10.
• Obedience to Jesus requires faith, even without full understanding.

The Crowd’s Expectations

• The crowd shouts “Hosanna” (Save us now!).
• They expected a military savior, but Jesus came to bring eternal peace.
• Many later turned against Jesus when he did not meet their desires.

II. Jesus as the Prophet Who Speaks Truth

Cursing of the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26)

• The fig tree had leaves (outward signs of life) but no fruit.
• Symbolic of Israel’s spiritual condition—rituals without righteousness.
• Jesus teaches that true faith must bear spiritual fruit.

III. Jesus as the Priest Who Calls for Purity

Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:15-19)

• Jesus overturns tables, challenging corruption in worship.
• The temple should be a “house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:6-8).
• Instead, it had become a “den of robbers” (Jeremiah 7:11).

Response of the Religious Leaders

• They plot to kill Jesus instead of repenting.
• Parable of the Tenants (Mark 12:1-12) foretells their rejection of God’s Son.

IV. Application for Today

Lessons from the Fig Tree and the Temple

• Beware of hollow religion—faith should produce real transformation.
• Trust God even when He doesn’t meet our expectations.
• True disciples bear fruit and follow Jesus wholeheartedly (John 15).

Conclusion & Prayer

Are we truly bearing spiritual fruit? Let us abide in Christ and trust His ways.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord… he is like a tree planted by water…” – Jeremiah 17:7

Closing Prayer: Lord, make us true disciples, not just outwardly religious, but deeply rooted in You. Amen.