Mark 11

Mark 11:2

If a woman shall put away her husband. This was allowed by the Greek and Roman law (1 Corinthians 7:13), but not by the Jewish. Christ applies his principles to either sex on the same footing.

Mark 11:3

They brought young children to him. See notes on Matthew 19:13-15. Compare Lu 18:15-17. See also notes on Matthew 18:3-4.

Mark 11:7

There came one running. See notes on Matthew 19:16-22. Compare Lu 18:18-22. Mark adds that the young man came “running”, and “kneeled” in the way. He alone tells us that “Jesus beholding him loved him” (Mr 10:21).

Mark 11:13

How hardly shall they that have riches. For notes on the Lord’s words concerning riches, see Matthew 19:23-30. Compare Lu 18:24-30. Mark adds one sentence that furnishes the key to the interpretation of the whole discourse: “How hard it is for them that ’trust’ in riches”, etc. (Mr 10:24).

Mark 11:22

They were amazed; . . . they were afraid. For they now distinctly perceived that their Master intended to proceed with the pilgrims to Jerusalem, and they held back in dismay, knowing that his destruction had been determined on by the ruling authorities there. They seemed to hang back as men foreboding peril, and were amazed that their Master should throw himself into such danger. He . . . began to tell them. To their terror lest he should be put to death at Jerusalem, as he responded that he was going to die. He had told them at least twice before, but they were unable, as yet, to understand it. See notes on Matthew 20:17-19. Compare Lu 18:31-34.

Mark 11:25

James and John . . . come unto him, saying, etc. For notes on this ambitious request, see Matthew 20:20-28. We learn from Matthew that Salome, the mother, came and spoke for them (Matthew 20:20).

Mark 11:28

Ye know not what ye ask. Prayer is often unwise in its requests from ignorance. Before many days they saw places on his right and left occupied by two robbers on the cross.