The Bible Recap – Day 307 (Mark 11, John 12) – Year 7

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Tara-Leigh Cobble discusses the events in Mark 11 and John 12, which include Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the cursing of the fig tree, the anointing at Bethany, and pivotal teachings leading up to His crucifixion. Tara-Leigh unpacks the symbolic acts and essential spiritual truths in these chapters, applying them to the larger context of Scripture and reminding listeners of Jesus’ unique role as Savior.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Revisiting the Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple

• Recap of Setting:
  • Jesus and His apostles spend nights on the outskirts of Jerusalem, possibly at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany.
  • "After the events we discussed yesterday and read about again today, the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the cleansing of the Temple..." (00:03)

2. The Cursing of the Fig Tree – A Living Parable

• Peter’s Reaction:
  • Peter notices the withered fig tree that Jesus cursed—a sign rich in symbolism regarding Israel (00:26).
• Faith, Prayer, and Forgiveness:
  • Tara-Leigh cautions against isolating scripture, emphasizing holistic interpretation.

    “The first rule of Scripture interpretation is that Scripture interprets scripture. So we have to be careful not to isolate these passages from everything else Jesus says...or we'll end up with an incomplete doctrine and a skewed theology.” (00:40)

  • These verses don’t mean humans can simply will things into existence through faith or earn God’s favor through forgiveness.

3. Anointing at Bethany – Mary's Profound Act of Humility

• Mary’s Action:

  • Mary pours expensive perfumed oil on Jesus’ feet and wipes them with her hair—an extraordinary demonstration of humility.

    "She doubles down on her humility by taking the thing that is seen as a woman's physical crown of beauty, her hair, and wiping his feet with it. This is rich with symbolism." (01:41)

  • Martha, as usual, is serving; Lazarus is conversing with Jesus—each shows love in their unique way.

• Symbolism:

  • The act evokes themes of servanthood and surrender, likened to casting crowns at Christ’s feet.
  • In Matthew and Mark, Mary anoints both Jesus’ head and feet, using a large amount of oil (02:05).

4. Judas’ Reaction and Motives

• Public Critique, Private Greed:

  • Judas argues the oil could be sold for charity, but his real motive is theft, as John later recognizes.

    "John tells us clearly that Judas is a thief. So it seems that his motivation...has more to do with wanting that money. He's not concerned for Jesus or for the poor. He's looking out for himself." (02:25)

  • Speculates whether John realized Judas’s nature then, or only after the betrayal.

• Jesus’ Response:

  • Jesus defends Mary’s act, connecting her actions to His coming burial and hinting the oil will be used again (02:56).

5. Rising Tensions in Jerusalem

• Curiosity and Jealousy:
  • News spreads of Jesus and resuscitated Lazarus; people gather.
  • Jewish leaders plot to kill both Jesus and Lazarus—“Let's kill the guy who didn't stay dead last time." (03:25)
  • Tara-Leigh injects a moment of humor about the irony here.

6. Greeks Seek Jesus & His Response

• Gentile Interest:
  • Greek (Gentile) followers seek introduction to Jesus, demonstrating widening impact.
• Jesus’ Statement:
  • He responds cryptically, implying His death is imminent, but assures that this will bear much fruit and lead others to follow (03:55).

7. Jesus Sets the Stage for the Cross

• Jesus’ Agony and Reluctance:
  • He openly shares, "his heart is troubled" and his desire to be spared from the coming suffering.
  • But, He submits to the Father’s will, knowing it is the only way to reconcile humanity and pay the sin debt:

    “If any path to God is sufficient, or if we can earn our way into that relationship by being good, then Jesus’ death is unnecessary...But there is no other way. We can't fix ourselves...We must have the perfect sacrifice...And only Jesus can be the perfect sacrifice." (04:32)

8. The Audible Voice of God

• Divine Affirmation:
  • God the Father audibly affirms Jesus, saying, “I have glorified it and I will glorify it again.”
  • Tara-Leigh wonders about its impact—its sound, language, who could hear (05:14).
• Purpose of the Voice:
  • Jesus states this was for the listeners' benefit, underscoring the impending defeat of Satan and death.

9. The Defeat of “the god of this world”

• Satan’s Limited Power:
  • Notes Paul’s reference to Satan as the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4), clarifying this doesn’t make him truly powerful over earth but rather exposes the illusion of authority.

  • "We've seen from the demons response to Jesus that they know he is in charge. His victory over them has already been accomplished outside of time, and it will be fulfilled in time." (06:10)

10. “God Shot”: Jesus’ Submission and the Trinity

• Tara-Leigh’s Reflection:
  • Marvels at Christ’s voluntary submission:

    "Imagine being as powerful as Jesus...and still humbly submitting to the authority of the Father." (06:36)

  • Emphasizes the unity and roles within the Trinity, all oriented toward redemption.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Scriptural Interpretation:

  “The first rule of Scripture interpretation is that Scripture interprets scripture.” (00:40)

• On Mary’s Humility:

  “This is a dramatic, poetic demonstration of humility.” (01:49)

• On Judas:

  “John tells us clearly that Judas is a thief. So it seems his motivation…has more to do with wanting that money.” (02:25)

• On Jesus’ Mission:

  “If there’s any other way for God’s kids to be reconciled to him, then Jesus doesn’t have to die…But there is no other way.” (04:32)

• On the Trinity:

  “How incredible that the Godhead has one will and each person…has a role to fulfill…Much of it is positioned toward rescuing and redeeming God’s kids.” (06:40)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03: Setting—Jesus in Bethany, revisiting the triumphal entry and temple cleansing.
• 00:26: The withered fig tree and its symbolism.
• 01:41: Mary anoints Jesus with oil—symbolic humility.
• 02:25: Judas’s public argument versus private motives.
• 02:56: Jesus defends Mary; her act linked to His burial.
• 03:25: News spreads; leaders plot to kill Lazarus and Jesus.
• 03:55: Greek believers seek Jesus; His cryptic response.
• 04:32: Jesus’ submission to the Father and necessity of the cross.
• 05:14: The Father’s audible voice affirms the Son.
• 06:10: Jesus’ true authority versus Satan’s false claims.
• 06:36: Tara-Leigh’s God Shot—wonder at Jesus’ humble submission.

Concluding Reflections

Tara-Leigh closes with awe at Jesus’ humility and the unified, redemptive purpose of the Trinity, emphasizing that Jesus is far more than a moral teacher—He is God the Son, totally submitted for our rescue:

“He’s where the joy is.” (06:56)

For continued Bible exploration, the first ever TBR Bible is out, combining daily reading and Tara-Leigh’s recaps in one resource.