Revealing the King. Mark 11:7-11.
And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Dear Pilgrims,
The intent of the drama that is unfolding is clear. It is to unveil Jesus as the anointed one of God. The disciples bring the colt to Jesus and the rest of the story is a clear statement to those who understand the Old Testament.
Prophecy (v. 7-8). When they brought the colt to Jesus, he sat on. Those around him begin to act as though they were staging a choreographed scene from the Old Testament – two scenes, actually.
Colt (v. 7). It was prophesied that Israel’s king would come riding on the colt of a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). There were some who understood this symbolism because of what they did next:
Cloaks (v. 8). By spreading their cloaks on the road where Jesus rode, they were recalling the event where after the prophet Elisha anointed Jehu king, all who learned of it placed their garments at his feet and proclaimed him king.
Praise (v. 9-10). Hosanna means to save and was probably an invitation to Jesus to save Israel from Roman oppression. Bartimaeus had identified Jesus as the heir to the throne of David, the crowd would now crown him, given the opportunity. They declared this event the coming of the kingdom of David. To people who understood Old Testament prophecy, it could not be said clearer – Jesus was the Messiah.
Prologue (v. 11). It was already late and not much could be done after Jesus entered the temple. More was to follow in the days to come but for now, everything was adjourned and Jesus retreated to Bethany, no doubt to the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha (John 11:1) for much-needed rest. Mark spent the first eleven chapters of his gospel building up to this moment. Soon the crowds and their leaders will have to decide what to do with the Messiah just revealed. The same applies to us. If Jesus is God’s anointed King, all humanity is called upon to submit to him. Have you?
Your Loving Pastor Chris.