Following the anti-climactic entry of Jesus, who arrived at the Temple, no one was there. The Temple is one of the important themes in the following chapters. Jesus has finally arrived in Jerusalem, and the conflict continues to rise between the Pharisees and chief priests. The disciples have been told three times what will happen to Jesus (Mark 8:31, 9:31, 10:33-34). The conflict has continued throughout the Gospel of Mark. We, as readers, have known the plan of the Pharisees

Right at the very beginning of the study of the Gospel of Mark, I explained that the outline of the Gospel of Mark is based upon geographical sections. The first half deals with Jesus' ministry and conflict in Galilee, while the second half (following Peter's confession) deals with Jesus' ministry and conflict in Jerusalem. Following Peter's confession, Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem. Chapter 11 begins Jesus' ministry and conflict in Jerusalem. Possibly a more correct statement would be

The contrast within these passages is quite striking. Jesus finished his teaching after meeting with the rich young ruler and said, "But many who are first will be last, and the last first" (Mark 10:31). Then Jesus tells his disciples why the Son of Man came to earth (Mark 10:32-34). Yet we are reminded, again, that the disciples just still do not get it. This passage shows the contrast to who the disciples thought they were following. Jesus talks about