Entering Jerusalem

Scripture  Reading: Mark 11:1—11

11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ² saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ³ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

⁴ They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, ⁵ some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷ When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,“Hosanna!( Hebrew =“Save!”)“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”^{(Psalm 118:25,26)}

¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

¹¹ Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Key verse: If anyone asks you, Why are you doing this? Tell him, The Lord needs it and will send it back shortly (Mark 11:3)

Meditation: The healed Bartimaeus joined John and James and the rest of the crowd  as they approached Jerusalem.
In the Old Testament the domestic donkey was an indication of a man’s wealth.  (Judges 5:10) and was used by Abraham to go from Beersheba to Moriah (Genesis 22:3). Jesus was fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy (9:9,10) clearly showing all of those aware of scripture in Jerusalem was, indeed, the king, righteous, having salvation.... Proclaiming peace to the nations.. .His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth.

Jesus promised important positions to all who followed him: the Johns and ,the James’, the Bartimaeus’, the adoring crowds, the fickle followers, the sensitive hearts. The qualifications for all were, Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (Mark 10:43).

Jesus entry into Jerusalem marked His immediate steps to the cross and demonstrated clearly the demands of His kingdom.

Thought for the Day: To follow Jesus we must ask that our eyes be open to His values and priorities.