Triumphant Entry: (Reflection on Mark Chapter 11)
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This Blog Post accompanies myÂ
video reading of Mark 11 published on the Circular Grace YouTubeÂ
channel.
Jesus's Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem
A short chapter but a chapter full of information to build our faith and understanding. Jesus has frequently asked for people not to broadcast his miracles abroad and tried to keep somewhat under the radar.
This all changes as He makes His penultimate entry into Jerusalem. Although Mark doesn't share the multiple visits, this is not Jesus' first trip to to Jerusalem. From the other Gospels we know he made many visits to attend key Jewish festivals. On this occasion Jesus does not enter Jerusalem quietly, it is a triumphant entry with a multitude gathered to great Him as the long awaited Messiah.
Let's dive into the respected commentaries to learn more!
Enduring Word Commentary
This commentary clarifies the point I made above about Jesus making multiple trips to Jerusalem.
a. Now when they drew near to Jerusalem: If all we had was the Gospel of Mark, we might think this was Jesus’ first journey to Jerusalem. But the Gospel of John tells us of many previous trips. Jesus, like any devout Jewish man, went to Jerusalem for as many of the major feasts as He possibly could.
I mentioned in the video my amazement that Jesus was able to mount an unbroken colt. Horses and donkeys are trained to accept a rider on their back and it generally takes a considerable amount of time despite what you often see in a classic western movie!
This commentary draws out another consideration for us to contemplate. Jesus could have chosen a stallion for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On a side note, His grand finale and next triumphant entry into Jerusalem, will be on such a battle ready, glorious and Kingly mount! This time however Jesus comes in peace in contrast to His next entry when He will come as King, Saviour and Judge!
Staying on this part of His story:
c. You will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat: With this, Jesus established that He would enter Jerusalem riding on a colt. He deliberately chose a young donkey, not a stallion, not a horse, and not coming on foot. This is because in that day, to come riding a colt – as opposed to a mighty war-horse – was to come as a man of peace. Jesus didn’t come to Jerusalem as a conquering general, but as a suffering (though triumphant) servant.
I recommend this commentary for a good understanding of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. I'll post one final snippet before providing the link to the full commentary.
c. When He looked around at all things: Jesus came as the Messiah to Jerusalem, not as a mighty general to conquer the Romans. He came first to look at the standing of the people of God, and to make an inspection. In the rest of Mark 11, we see the results of this inspection.
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/mark-11/
Blue Letter Commentary
You'll find that the different commentators often pick out different aspects of the same verses but adding in some extra context. You'll find some interesting discussion on the fig tree in this commentary. I like the emphasis on the message.
The disciples heard what sentence Christ passed on this tree, and took notice of it. Woes from Christ's mouth are to be observed and kept in mind, as well as blessings.
We can find ourselves lost in the detail and forget the message sometimes. I liked the reminder that Jesus offers us almighty blessings but He is also judging us. Jesus passed judgement on the tree and the consequences were death. It put me in mind of God the Father appointing Christ both our Saviour and our Judge. Our salvation is an almighty blessing but it comes with an expectation of obedience. Ultimately those who do not accept the authority of Jesus choose death.
The next segment that caught my eye was the significance of the Temple Courtyard. It's one of those occasions when I heard something new from a familiar story. I'd previously focused on what they had turned the house of God into but not given any consideration to which part of the house of God had been corrupted. The courtyard is very significant because it is where God invites strangers, essentially Gentiles to draw near to Him. By turning it into a house of thieves the Scribes and Pharisees were denying 'all nations' appropriate access to God. Yet another example of the failings of those people God had ordained to be His representatives on earth. The fig tree and its empty promise springs to mind. Jesus judged them!
3. He gave a good reason for this; because it was written, My house shall be called of all nations, The house of prayer, v. 17. So it is written, Isa. 56:7. It shall pass among all people under that character. It shall be the house of prayer to all nations; it was so in the first institution of it; when Solomon dedicated it, it was with an eye to the sons of the strangers, 1 Ki. 8:41. And it was prophesied that it should be yet more so. Christ will have the temple, as a type of the gospel-church, to be,
This can be a heavy commentary to read but you'll find a lot of context and links to related passages of scripture.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Mar/Mar_011.cfm
Bible Ref Commentary
Here's my final link to commentary for this chapter. My list is far from exhaustive and you'll find multiple resources from a range of different respected churches and Christian organisations online. I encourage you to reach out and find people you trust in faith to discuss the Bible with. Reach out at church, join a Bible study group. First and foremost pray for guidance and discernment.
Walk through scripture with the Lord at your side. Make being in the Word of God a daily devotion and I am confident your faith will grow and the messages will take a firmer hold in your heart. That has been my experience and I pray the same blessings for you!
I'll leave you with a final snippet from this brief but powerful commentary.
Throughout the rest of the Passion Week—the final few days prior to the crucifixion—Jesus will engage in many debates and teach many truths, not all of which are recorded in Mark 12—13. It is His last chance before the crucifixion to get people to think about worship as God designed it to be, and reject the worldly nationalist fervor. His words and actions remind us to keep our eyes on God, not the things God has blessed us with.
https://www.bibleref.com/Mark/11/Mark-chapter-11.html
Thank you so much for reading along and sharing in this wonderful opportunity to hear the Word God with me. Until next time, God bless you!
I enjoy all the chapters but I really found a lot to think about in this chapter. I found it really inspirational. Jesus makes this journey into Jerusalem for us. He knows what awaits Him but it is a sacrifice He makes for us. That has encouraged me to share even more this week. It's so important that people hear His invitation!