Mark 11

Lessons from Mark 11: Ordinary Moments, Extraordinary Teachings

In Mark 11, we see a glimpse of Jesus’s life that feels familiar. He enters Jerusalem, spends time in the temple, and even gets hungry. These small, mundane moments invite us to reflect on how we can encounter the sacred in our everyday lives. Let’s take a closer look at the simple verses that carry profound meaning.

The Ordinary Meets the Divine

Jesus's actions in Mark 11 may seem insignificant at first glance—he goes to the temple, leaves because it’s late, and the next morning, he’s hungry. But in these ordinary moments, we see something deeper. Jesus, like us, experiences the basic rhythms of life. He gets hungry, travels, and interacts with people. These moments, which might seem inconsequential, are an opportunity for Jesus to teach us about living with intention and awareness.

One of the things that stood out to me is how Jesus’s hunger in this passage leads him to the fig tree. It wasn’t a grand, divine event, but a very human moment. And yet, it becomes the backdrop for a larger lesson about authenticity and fruitfulness in our lives.

The Fig Tree: A Lesson in Authenticity

When Jesus sees a fig tree in full leaf, he approaches it, expecting to find fruit. But when he reaches it, there’s nothing but leaves because it isn’t the season for figs. Jesus curses the tree, saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” This seems harsh, but the fig tree symbolizes something much deeper. It’s not just about a tree; it’s a metaphor for a life that appears fruitful but lacks real substance. The temple, too, is criticized by Jesus for its outward appearance of holiness, but its actions—people selling goods and making money in a sacred place—betray its true nature. Jesus is pointing out that appearances can be deceiving. Just as the fig tree showed leaves but no fruit, the temple appeared to be a house of prayer, but it had become a marketplace.

Integrating the Ordinary into Our Walk with God

As we reflect on this passage, it becomes clear that we are called to be authentic in our relationship with God. Jesus didn’t just go through the motions—he lived his life with intention. We, too, can invite the Holy Spirit into the small moments of our day. Whether it’s feeling hungry, having a conversation, or even just taking a walk, these moments are opportunities to turn back to God and seek His presence.

In our own lives, how often do we go through the motions, only to realize that our hearts aren’t aligned with our actions? It’s easy to put on a smile and say “everything is fine” when inside we’re struggling. But true spirituality is about aligning our internal lives with what we present to the world. As the passage from Mark reminds us, we can’t just appear to be one thing and be another on the inside. The heart and actions must match.

Living with Integrity in Every Moment

This challenge of authenticity extends beyond just our personal lives. In leadership roles, whether in ministry, family, or work, it’s crucial to lead with integrity. The way we present ourselves publicly should reflect the inner work God is doing in us. This is something we’re especially mindful of in our church community—ensuring that what we post online, how we engage with others, and how we live out our faith aligns with the convictions we hold dear.

At the end of the day, Jesus calls us to be people of integrity—living lives where our actions reflect our hearts. When we live authentically, we honor God in the everyday moments and create spaces for Him to work in and through us. Just like Jesus used simple things—like hunger and a fig tree—to teach us powerful lessons, we can use the ordinary moments in our lives as opportunities to experience God’s presence and share it with others.

Let’s remember: the mundane can become sacred if we invite God into it. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a conversation, or a quiet moment alone, every moment can be holy if we choose to see it that way.