Mark 11:18

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

וישמעו הסופרים וראשי הכהנים ויתנכלו אתו להשמידו כי יראו מפניו יען אשר כל העם משתוממים על תורתו:

What Does This Mean?

This verse says that the scribes and chief priests heard about Jesus' teachings, which made them afraid because everyone was amazed by what he said. They decided to try and find a way to destroy him.

Explained for Children

Imagine there's a really cool magician in town who can do amazing tricks. Everyone loves his shows and is always talking about how great they are. But the other magicians are worried because no one wants to see their shows anymore, so they start thinking of ways to stop this new magician.

Historical Background

Mark wrote this gospel around AD 65-70 for a largely Gentile audience in Rome. The setting is Jerusalem where Jesus' teachings and actions were causing significant disruption among the religious leaders.

Living It Out Today

Today, we might see someone who stands out because of their unique talents or beliefs, and others may feel threatened by them. This verse reminds us to not be afraid of those who make a difference in our communities but rather appreciate their contributions.

Topics

• authority
• fear
• jealousy
• teaching
• religious leaders
• power

Related Verses

• John 11:47-53
• Luke 20:19
• Matthew 26:3-5
• Psalm 37:12
• Proverbs 24:17

Recommended Reading

Commentary Mark Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the religious leaders afraid of Jesus?

The religious leaders were afraid because they saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and influence. His teachings and miracles drew large crowds, which made them worry about losing control.

How did people react to Jesus' teachings in this passage?

People were astonished by Jesus' teachings. They found his words compelling and powerful, leading to a significant following that worried the religious authorities.

What does it mean for someone's actions to cause others to fear them?

When someone's actions or influence inspire fear in others, it often means they challenge existing power structures or beliefs. This can lead to resistance from those who feel threatened by change.

How should we respond when people are afraid of our message or actions?

We should seek understanding and not be discouraged. It's important to continue spreading positive messages, even if some resist at first. Focus on love and building bridges rather than causing division.