Chapter Eleven

11:1-11 Triumphal entry into Jerusalem: On arriving in Jerusalem, everything is ready for the fulfillment of what was announced (8:31; 9:31; 10:33f). The evangelist presents Jesus as the awaited Messiah-King, poor and humble, who does not bring war but peace (cf. Zech 9:9f). The intention to ride on a donkey also shows him as a just and kind king. The people greet Jesus with Psalm 118:25-26. The expression Hosanna means "save us, please." But Jesus' idea of a king does not agree with that of the multitude, who expect a king with a nationalistic, warlike, and vengeful character (10). 

11:12-14 He curses the fig tree: In the biblical tradition, the fig tree symbolizes the people of God (Hos 9:10). Arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus finds a society that, despite having the Word of God, does not produce fruit (Mic 7:1; Jer 8:13) because it does not believe that the "time" of the kingdom is already in its midst. Such a society is condemned to sterility. 

11:15-19 He purifies the Temple: The barrenness extends to the Temple, which although appears beautiful and leafy but equally without fruit. The Temple has lost its identity as a universal house of prayer (Is 56:7) and has become a den of thieves which, according to Jeremiah 7:11, is equivalent to a deposit of unjustly acquired goods. 

11:20-26 The withered fig tree: The barren fig tree has withered. Jesus gives three keys so Christian communities do not fall into barrenness or dryness: unreserved faith, trusting prayer, and forgiveness that favors fraternal communion. 

11:27-33 The authority of Jesus: The three groups representing the Sanhedrin (high priests, learned men, and elders) question the authority of Jesus: who gave you the authority to do what you do? (28). Jesus recalls the work of John the Baptist, whose work was recognized by all as coming from God (32). As a result, the leaders aer unable to deny this argument and implicitly accept Jesus' divine authority.