religious hypocrisy

Jesus cleanses the temple

Fruitless Faith and True Worship: The Fig Tree and the Cleansed Temple (Mark 11:12–19)

In Mark 11:12–19, Jesus curses a fruitless fig tree and cleanses the temple. These connected acts confront empty religion and reveal God’s desire for lives—and worship—marked by genuine fruit, prayer, and righteousness rather than appearance and profit.

Jesus on tradition and defilement

Jesus Confronts Empty Tradition: What Really Defiles (Mark 7:1–23)

In Mark 7:1–23, Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ obsession with outward rituals. He redirects the focus to the heart, teaching that defilement comes from within—not from unwashed hands. This powerful moment urges us in 2026 to prioritize inner transformation over religious performance.