The “Triumphal Entry” is recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Why do you think this event was so important to the gospel authors?  What were the people expecting Jesus to do?  What happened to their adulation when Jesus did not act according to their desires? See Mark 15:6-14 How do we respond to Jesus when he doesn’t act in a way consistent with our expectations of Him?

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree … even when it was not the season for figs?  What is the significance of this tree and how is it connected with the abuses at the temple? (Jer 8:13; Hosea 9:10,16; Joel 1:7)  Why was Jesus so upset by what was happening in the “Court of the Gentiles” at the temple?

In what ways have you seen “robbers” use religion as a cloak to hide their true motives?  What do Jesus’ actions in the temple and with the fig tree tell us about how God feels about fruitless religious activities?

Is verse 24 a “blank check” that requires God to do anything we ask him to do as long as we have the required “faith”? See  Mark 14:36; James 4:3; I Peter 3:7; I John 5:14&15. What does “this mountain” refer to in this context?  What “mountains” are you currently looking at in your life?  How is Jesus challenging you to exercise faith in Him as you contemplate those mountains?

 Fans, Figs and Faith [46:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download