Sermons From Mark - The Triumphal Entry (11:1-11)

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                          "THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

                     The Triumphal Entry (11:1-11)

INTRODUCTION

1. From chapter eleven forward, the events of Mark’s gospel take place
   in or near Jerusalem...
   a. From His triumphal entry to His resurrection from the dead
   b. Occurring within the time span of eight days

2. The first day is often remembered as "Palm Sunday"...
   a. In which Jesus made a triumphal entry into the city
   b. Accompanied by crowds who laid branches on the road before Him as
      He road into town on the colt of a donkey

[The significance of this event was not understood by His disciples
until later (Jn 12:16).  With the benefit of hindsight and further
revelation, let’s first take a closer look at...]

I. THE NARRATIVE

   A. THE PREPARATION...
      1. Jesus and His disciples draw near to Jerusalem - Mk 11:1
         a. By way of Bethany ("house of dates") and Bethphage ("house
            of unripe figs")
         b. Two small villages near the Mount of Olives between Jericho
            and Jerusalem
      2. Jesus arranges for two disciples to get a colt - Mk 11:1-3
         a. A colt on which no one sat
         b. By foreknowledge or previous arrangement, Jesus knows the
            owner will consent
      3. The disciples get the colt just as Jesus predicted - Mk 11:4-6

   B. THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY...
      1. Jesus mounts the colt - Mk 11:7
         a. It is brought to Him, clothes placed on it, and He sits on
            it
         b. Matthew mentions two animals, likely the mother to calm the
            colt - Mt 21:2,7
      2. Many spread their cloths on the road, others cut leafy branches
         and place them on the road before Jesus on the colt - Mk 11:8
         a. The significance of the clothes placed before Him might be
            found in 2Ki 9:12-13
         b. John mentions palm branches - Jn 12:13
      3. Many praise Jesus as He rides the colt - Mk 11:9-10
         a. Crying "Hosanna!" ("Save!" or "please save!") - Ps 118:25
         b. "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!" - Ps
            118:26
         c. "Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in
            the name of the Lord!"
         d. "Hosanna in the highest!"
      4. Jesus enters Jerusalem - Mk 11:11
         a. He goes straight to the temple, and looks around
         b. But the hour is late and so He does not stay

   C. THE RETURN TO BETHANY...
      1. Jesus returns to Bethany with the twelve - Mk 11:11
      2. Where He likely stays each night during the week (until the
         Passover)
      3. Likely at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus - Jn 12:1-2

[With this brief look at the narrative, let’s offer...]

II. SOME OBSERVATIONS

   A. THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY...
      1. Matthew explains that all this was in fulfillment of prophecy
         - Mt 21:4-5; Zech 9:9
      2. Some view the short visit to the temple as fulfilling prophecy
         - cf. Mal 3:1

   B. THE NATURE OF THE KINGDOM...
      1. The actions and words of the crowd reflect Messianic
         anticipation - Mk 11:10; Jn 12:12-13
      2. Earlier some had tried to force Jesus to become a king, but He
         refused - Jn 6:15
      3. Many were looking for the Messiah to be a physical king, but
         Jesus made it clear that His kingdom was not of this world
         (i.e., a spiritual kingdom)
         a. To the Pharisees - Lk 17:20-21
         b. To Pilate - Jn 18:36
      4. Paul made it clear that the kingdom was spiritual, not physical
         - Ro 14:17; 1Co 15:50
      5. Jesus’ selection of the colt indicated the spiritual nature of
         His kingdom
         a. Normally kings would ride on a horse, symbolizing war and
            power
         b. But the donkey symbolized peace, befitting the nature of His
            kingdom - cf. Isa 9:6

   C. THE PRAISE OF THE CROWD...
      1. How exciting it must have been on that day!  The anticipation!
         The joy!
      2. The praise of Christ reached eternal heights after His
         ascension - Re 5:8-14
      3. Today, we can join in the praise of Christ each Lord’s day!
      4. And we can look forward to praising Jesus when He returns, when
         we will be glorified together with Him! - 2Th 1:10

CONCLUSION

1. What a triumphal entry that will be when Jesus returns...!
   a. Not to offer Himself for sin, as He did with His first coming
   b. But to offer eternal salvation for those who believe! - He 9:27-28

2. But that will be a day of salvation for those who eagerly await
   Him...
   a. For others, it will be a day of condemnation - 2Th 1:7-9
   b. For others, it will be a day of destruction - ibid.

As we await His "triumphal entry" at the last day, let us faithfully
serve Him today in His spiritual kingdom of righteousness, joy, and
peace...!

      "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!
             Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
                              Luke 19:38
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