Jesus Rides a Donkey into Jerusalem
February 19, 2019
Commentary
We now come to the final stage of the journey. Jesus had traveled from Galilee through many regions, and now He approached Jerusalem. This took place on what we call Palm Sunday, as He came near Bethany, about two miles east of the city (v. 1). Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, a place where Jesus often stayed. It was a quiet place of rest before entering the busy and important city of Jerusalem, a moment filled with purpose and quiet preparation.
As they came closer, Jesus sent two disciples to a nearby village (vv. 2–6). He told them to bring a colt that had never been ridden. Everything happened just as He said. This was done to fulfill prophecy, as it is written, “Behold, thy King cometh unto thee…lowly, and sitting upon an ass” (Zech. 9:9). The prophets often used actions as well as words to teach God’s message. Jesus was clearly showing who He was.
In those days, a king riding a horse meant war, but riding a donkey meant peace. As Jesus rode down the Mount of Olives toward Jerusalem, people spread their garments and branches on the road (vv. 7–10). They praised Him and welcomed Him as King, crying out, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” They believed He would bring political freedom, yet they did not fully understand His true mission and purpose and the deeper salvation He came to give.
However, Jesus came for a greater purpose. His mission was not to defeat Rome, but to change hearts. He entered the city quietly and went into the temple. Since it was late, He returned to Bethany with His disciples (v. 11). The King had come, not with power and force, but with humility, peace, and a plan to save, bringing hope, forgiveness, and new life to all who believe offered freely to every willing heart.
Application
Do I welcome Jesus as King in my life, or only when it is convenient? Do I expect Him to solve my problems my way? Do I understand His true purpose? Am I willing to follow Him in humility and obedience? Did I receive His gift of salvation and choose to surrender my will to Him? Trust the Lord and follow Him sincerely.
Mark 11:1–11 (NET)
1 Now as they approached Jerusalem, near Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here soon.’” 4 So they went and found a colt tied at a door, outside in the street, and untied it. 5 Some people standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They replied as Jesus had told them, and the bystanders let them go. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. 8 Many spread their cloaks on the road and others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Both those who went ahead and those who followed kept shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. And after looking around at everything, he went out to Bethany with the twelve since it was already late.
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