Mark 11:12

On the morrow. [The Fruitless Fig Tree, Mark 11:12–14, 20–26=Matt. 21:18–22. Major comment: Mark. See Closing Ministry at Jerusalem; Passion Week; on miracles pp. 208–213.] This was “the morrow” after the Triumphal Entry (see vs. 1–11), and thus a Monday morning. Following a strictly chronological pattern, Mark records the cleansing of the Temple (vs. 15–19) between the cursing of the fig tree (vs. 12–14) and the discovery that it had withered (vs. 20–26). Matthew, who often follows a topical rather than a chronological order (see p. 274), narrates, as a unit, the entire experience with the fruitless fig tree, without mention of the fact that some 24 hours elapsed between the curse placed upon it and the discovery that the tree had withered.

From Bethany. Where He had spent the night (see on v. 11).

He was hungry. Perhaps circumstances since the Triumphal Entry (see on v. 11) had made it inconvenient for Jesus to partake of food, at least of a full and nourishing meal. The fact that no mention is made of hunger on the part of the disciples seems to imply that they had recently eaten.