MARK 11:1-11

MARK 11:1-11

IT is interesting and profitable to observe how exactly the various outstanding events in our Lord’s life were predicted by prophets, divinely inspired men of God (2 Peter 1:21), who lived hundreds of years before their words began to be fulfilled. Zechariah was one of the post-exilic prophets who spoke of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:11; compare 5:1). Graphically he portrayed Israel’s rightful King entering His earthly capital in lowly state, riding upon an ass (Zech. 9:9). But between this verse and that which immediately follows, there was to ensue a long period of rejection by His chosen people. Centuries were to roll by before the words were to be fulfilled which declare, “He shall speak peace unto the heathen; and His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.” Yet all will come to fruition in God’s appointed time. 

  The Holy Spirit alone could have foreseen the crucifixion of our Lord following so soon after what is often called “the triumphal entry.” Actually, it was not the nation that officially acclaimed Him as the promised King on that historic Palm Sunday. The leaders fiercely resented the homage paid Him and voiced their opposition in no uncertain terms. But to Jesus this welcome by the “little ones” was as a cup of cold water to His spirit after the bitter hatred He had experienced. He had given thanks before to the Father that “these things”-—the mysteries of the kingdom—were hidden from the wise and prudent and revealed to babes (Matt. 11:25). This was confirmed in the reception accorded Him as He rode into the city of Jerusalem. 

  MARK 11:1-11 - The last journey through Perea was concluded, and Jesus and His disciples had ascended by the winding road from Jericho to Bethany on the slope of the Mount of Olives. From there He prepared to enter the city where of old Jehovah had set His name, knowing full well that the cross was just before Him. But for this purpose He had come into the world. It was nearing Passover-time in the spring of A. D. 30. He was about thirty-three years and six months of age—a comparatively young Man, destined to be cut off in the midst of His days (Ps. 102:24). 

“A colt tied, whereon never man sat; … bring him (to Me).” To Jesus it made no difference that this was an unbroken colt. He was the Creator come into this scene as Man, and as such all the lower creatures were subject to Him (Ps. 8:6–8). Only man, made in the image of God, rebelled against Him. All others knew Him as their rightful Owner (Isa. 1:3).

“The Lord hath need of him.” This was to be His disciples’ answer if any seemed to question their right to loose the colt. Evidently the owner of the beast knew Jesus and recognized His claims as pre-eminent.

“They … found the colt tied … where two ways met.” Many of the older commentators saw in this a picture of man himself, standing at the place of decision. The messengers had no difficulty finding the colt. All was as Jesus had said.

“Certain of them” questioned the right of the disciples to take the colt away as Jesus had foreseen. It is clear that these were not the owners, but simply bystanders who feared something wrong was being done. “Even as Jesus had commanded.” There was no further objection when explanation was given as the Lord had commanded.

“They brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him.” Improvising a saddle with their flowing robes, they prepared the colt to carry Jesus to the city.

“Many spread their garments … and … branches off the trees.” In their holy enthusiasm these humble folk sought to give to the King a royal welcome.

“Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Divinely taught, they chanted the words of Psalm 118:26, recognizing their application to the promised Messiah of Israel. Hosanna means “Save now,” or “Deliver, we pray,” answering to “God save the king!” a customary cry in recognition of regal authority (2 Chron. 23:11).

  “The kingdom of our father David.” For one brief moment Jesus was acknowledged as the rightful Heir to the throne of David (Luke 1:32). But the time had not yet come for Him to ascend that throne. Not until He returns in glory will He build again the tabernacle of David that is thrown down (Acts 15:16; Amos 9:11, 12). 

   “Jesus entered into … the temple,” as Malachi had predicted (3:1). Apparently, He simply looked about the temple on this first day of His last week; although it is not easy to be certain as to this. But the events recorded in Matthew 21:12, 13, probably took place on His second visit to the city. “When … the eventide was come, He went out unto Bethany with the twelve.” In self-imposed banishment, He did not spend a night in the Holy City during Passion Week. He recognized already that He was to suffer without the gate (Heb. 13:12, 13). For Him there was no place in “the city of the great King” (Matt. 5:35). He found a refuge among the poor and the lowly, and with those who waited for the consolation of Israel.