Lesson Nine
JESUS PRESENTS HIMSELF AS KING1. Read chapters 11 and 12 through verse 17 of the Gospel of Mark.
2. Read this lesson and then do exam number nine.Before Jesus came into the world, the prophets of God announced that a
great king would come. They said the king would come peacefully, riding on
a donkey or young colt.
The Lord was not only the Servant of God who fulfilled all the will of God,
but God chose Him to be King over all the earth. In this chapter He comes to
Jerusalem and presents, or offers, Himself as King to The Jews. The poor
received Him gladly (verses 9 and 10), but He knew there had not been a
change in their hearts toward sin. He had many discussions with the Jews,
especially their leaders. The fig tree mentioned in verses 12 to 14 illustrated
the condition of the Jewish people. They had no fruit for God and He put them
aside for a time.
In Jerusalem the Lord went into the temple and threw out those who were
doing business there (verses 20 - 25). The religious leaders confronted Christ
as to where He received the authority to do such things, but He did not feel it
was necessary to answer their question.
A story about a man who planted an orchard of grapes is told in chapter
twelve. The orchard was left to the care of workers while this man took a trip.
When he returned he sent a servant to receive the harvest, but the workers beat
the servant and gave him nothing. Another servant was sent and was wounded
by the workers. Others were sent by the owner and they too were beaten and
some killed. In the end he sent his son who was also killed.
This illustrates what God did for Israel. He made a covenant with them but
they did not honor it. He sent prophets and some of them were killed. Finally
He sent His Son, and they killed Him. God punishes those who rebel against
Him in this manner.
The Pharisees tried to trap the Lord, but He surprised them with His wis-
dom and embarrassed them (verses 13 - 27).
Actually, many recognize Him as a great Teacher but there is no change in
their lives. They continue in sin. God judges all who reject His Son, but will
save all who believe in Him. One day Christ will return to the earth is King.
We do not know when this will happen. When He comes, He will punish all
who have not believed in Him. Trust Christ today and you will not have to fear
the future.11