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2. Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-10)
MARK 11:1-10
1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 2 and said to them, “Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him, and bring him. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs him;’ and immediately he will send him back here.” 4 They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him. 5 Some of those who stood there asked them, “What are you doing, untying the young donkey?” 6 They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go. 7 They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it. 8 Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road. 9 Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Christ opened Barthemaeus’ eyes, so that he understood the meaning of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, for in spite of the spies of the chief priests, he recognized Jesus of Nazareth as the promised Christ, Son of David, and the true King.
Jesus did not refuse this royal title when the crowd acclaimed him, but healed him who witnessed to his power, as a proof that he was the expected Messiah. As such, he moved the waves of hope in the hearts of the disciples and the people. They all wanted to partake of God’s triumph, and so they climbed up the hot desert mountain road with Jesus to the top of the mountain chain where Jerusalem was built as a crown.
Before he crossed the Mount of Olives, Jesus fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy, to make clear that he did not come as an arrogant king on a warhorse, or on a proud camel with fearful armies, to conquer the capital, but he came riding on a lowly colt. Moreover, the mighty Lord was in his humility poor and needy, he had not even a colt; therefore he borrowed one from a friend. The Son of God did not even have a saddle, and instead he used the clothes of his companions, who laid them on the colt, that he might sit on it. As such, he entered humbly into the city of peace. The Roman soldiers did not prevent him from passing, because his humble procession did not form any danger to the authorities, particularly since Christ’s companions prayed in a loud voice praising the Lord, as was the custom at great feasts.
His companions praised him with one of the Hallel Psalms sung during the Passover festival, when receiving the high priest into the temple, to reconcile the people to God. Thus, the multitudes cheered him as they cheered a king on his coronation.
Christ is the true High Priest who completely reconciled us with God. He is the King of kings who sets up the kingdom of his peace today in our hearts. Do you prepare the way of the Lord that he may come into your heart, your home, your village, and your town? It is a great mystery that wherever Jesus, the divine King is received, the kingdom of eternal peace begins, as already declared to King David through the Holy Spirit.
Do you feel great joy at the coming of the meek Christ, for he came as King and also as the Lamb of God? Did you experience the presence of the kingdom of God in the hearts of the followers of the humble King in the midst of our wicked world? How do you prepare his way practically in your own surroundings?
PRAYER: O Lord Jesus, you are the Son of David, the divine King. You have no deceit or fault. You are the embodiment of love. In you we find holiness, justice, kindness, patience, and grace. Admit us into the fellowship of your kingdom. Purify us that we may follow you. Open our minds' eyes that we may always see you as the center of the universe, in spite of your lowly appearance. Wake up millions to receive you with acclamations of joy. Amen.
QUESTION:
- Why did the Roman soldiers not prevent Jesus from entering Jerusalem?