Mark 11:1-11

Jimmy Sourile

Walking With The Rabbi • Sermon • Submitted 9 months ago • Presented 9 months ago

Mark 11:1–11

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Please pray with me. pray

If you are able, please stand for the reading of God’s word. Today’s Scripture is from Mark 11:1-11

Mark 11:1–11 (CSB)

When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’ ”

So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.

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 heaven!

He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

This is the word of the Lord. Please be seated.

Something I have been learning more and more recently, humbly, is just how easy it is to be deceived and led astray, or caught up in excitement of something that doesn’t deserve support. Like how easy i can find myself caught up in some marketers scheme. Advertising is powerful stuff. Hype and emotional appeals are terrifying in their ability to capture our hearts.

Crowds come and go, hype builds quick, but doesn’t stand the test of time. Its dangerous to run from exciting moment to exciting moment.

And if you through in ways that we have been brought up, or taught for our childhood, things that hit at our values and our cultural stories - man that’s just a recipe that can lead to a lot of confusion - and potentially a surprising end.

Last week we looked at Mark 8, where Jesus challenged the twelve to identify him - and they correctly identified him as the Messiah. However, their expectation of the messiah, and what he would look like and be like was going to be radically challenged as Jesus started teaching that he was going to suffer, and die and then rise again.

The disciples were a product of their time - their expectation of the messiah was that of an glorious king who would come and destroy the romans, and establish the kingdom of Israel again in splendor and opulence. Jesus was saying the opposite - that he came defeat something else, and it would be through death that victory would come.

The disciples didn’t fully get it.

But Jesus really then began his journey to Jerusalem to complete what the Father had set as his course - Jesus mission to save humanity from sin and death was coming to a head. And it was intense.

Today we remember the Triumphal Entry as it’s been called - Palm Sunday - and we will read the account in Mark today - and we will see that the triumph Jesus had in mind, was different perhaps then what the people had in mind.

Let’s look now at the start Mark 11:1

Mark 11:1 (CSB)

When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives,

Pausing there. Jesus and his crew, which would have included the twelve, and many others who were following him - at least the 120 mentioned in Acts 1, but perhaps more, They arrive at the Mount of Olives.

This mount is over 2600 ft above sea level and is about 300ft or so higher than the city of Jerusalem, and it runs to the east of the city.

It was an incredibly significant place of worship. In 2 Samuel 15, we read it was used as such. But perhaps most significantly, in approximately 586bc, Ezekiel records this in Ezekiel 11:23

Ezekiel 11:23 CSB

The glory of the Lord rose up from within the city and stopped on the mountain east of the city.

The idea being at the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel has the vision of the glory of God leaving Jerusalem, and settling on the Mount of Olives.

Now, Jesus - the radiance of the father, is sitting on the Mount of Olives, his face set towards Jerusalem and the temple. There is a lot of prophecy and thought about the Mount of Olives and the coming of the messiah - ultimately of final judgment in Zechariah 14:4

Zechariah 14:4 CSB

On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. The Mount of Olives will be split in half from east to west, forming a huge valley, so that half the mountain will move to the north and half to the south.

All said - It is clear that Mark is mentioning this place specifically because of all the messianic significances it holds.

Jesus on the mount, looking at the city, the place where his mission will come to a head. But now he turns to preparation, Continuing on, Mark 11:1-3

Mark 11:1–3 CSB

Jesus sends two disciples - we don’t get their names, into the village ahead - perhaps bethpage, or bethany - we don’t get the details, because those are the details Mark wants us to focus on. He is emphasizing JEsus on the mount making plans to enter jerusalem.

He tells them to find a colt - the word is polos in greek, and it can refer to a young horse, or a donkey, the latter is more traditionally thought of and more common in the area around Palestine.

There has been some thought as to how Jesus knows of the colt in the village. Is Mark showing us how familiar with the area - perhaps the owner of the colt are familiar and supporters of Jesus? Is he exercising some supernatural power here - we don’t get all the answers here - I grew up assuming it was supernatural knowledge, though i was surprised and interested in several scholars thinking it perhaps is more likely that Jesus knew by natural means - and knew the owner - thus when he commands the disciples to tell those who question them: The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away. The term Lord here isn’t IAM as is common in translations in the Old Testament. But it’s the word Kyrios which is similar to sir, or lord, or in German Herr, or Spanish Senior.

Regardless - it is worth noting how much of this section seems to be focused just on the preparation, Edwards argues to demonstrate Jesus’ foreknowledge and sovereignty over the next events.

There are so many details in this story that connect Jesus with the messiah.

In Zechariah 9:9 and Genesis 9:9 the colt is linked to the coming Messiah. And has often been talked about, there was a tradition of kings riding donkeys during peace time and horses in war. Another note - because it was a colt, a young donkey who was not ridden, or who was unbroken could be considered sacred, and according to tradition - no one else was permitted to ride a king’s horse.

So it’s important to note that Jesus is in control here in his sovereignty. Jesus isn’t surprised by how things go down - remember for chapters here, Jesus has been foretelling that he would be rejected, killed, and then would rise again. This is the way of Jesus - and he is in control. Even if the disciples have conflicted thoughts - Jesus plan of redemption and reconcilliation will not be stopped.

The two disciples go and do as Jesus say and it goes exactly how he said it would. Mark 11:4-6

Mark 11:4–6 CSB

In the big details and the small details - Jesus has complete control and authority.

Now that the ride is secure, it was time to ride into Jerusalem. And it is pretty incredible - Mark 11:7-10

Mark 11:7–10 (CSB)

They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and he sat on it. Many people spread their clothes on the road, and others spread leafy branches cut from the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted: 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 heaven!

The disciples put their cloaks down, they put branches and clothes down on the road - this is like the Jerusalem red carpet treatment.

In the other gospel accounts as recorded in Matthew and John they record the quotation of Zechariah 9:9 which we often associate with the triumphal entry.

Zechariah 9:9 (CSB)

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Mark almost certainly knows the connection - but he seems content with subtle imagery rather than flashing signs.

They call out Hosanna - which can be translated “Save US now.” or Save I pray.

As Christians reading back on this - we see it for what it is - bust we need to remember that this is during Passover - so Jerusalem is packed. Some estimate many hundreds of thousands of people - which is a wild amount of people for the ancient times. And this is THE event for Jewish people. This is where they remember God rescuing Israel from the Egyptians and the sparing of the first born sons by the blood of the spotless lamb. This is the celebration. And the town is buzzing.

So here comes a huge crowd down from the mount of olives, with crazy people waving branches and shouting about the messiah - IT’s pretty crazy.

Mark 11:7–10 (CSB)

Notice again in verse 9 that those who are shouting are with JEsus - they went ahead and behind. Mark doesn’t record if many of those in the town join in - but for sure there would be a crowd. There is so much hype here.

And from what we know of the disciples - they almost certainly were not wanting JEsus to die just a few days from then. They were ready for the messiah king to come and slay the romans, claim the throne, free israel,

They were excited. And I’m sure there were those around him that were also excited via social osmosis.

But they didn’t have the correct view of the messiah. And again, as James Edwards so wonderfully wrote:

The Gospel according to Mark (Messiahship and Discipleship (8:31–9:1))

A wrong view of Messiahship leads to a wrong view of discipleship.

And as this entry comes to an end - we see that he doesn’t end just in Jerusalem, but the temple itself. Mark 11:11

Mark 11:11 CSB

He went into Jerusalem and into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The glory of the Lord, God in the flesh comes into the temple again - and takes a authoritative and comprehensive look at everything going on. I imagine with tears in his eyes knowing what was going to happen, and seeing perhaps people who were extorting worshippers in money changing booths close for the evening, with a righteous anger.

And what does he do? nothing. Instead, he looks around, and then leaves the city again. And goes back out to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

I can’t help but feel like that is terribly anti-climatic, right?

Notice too, that already the crowd that was shouting has disappeared, only the twelve exit with him.

For an event that we call the Triumphal Entry - it doesn’t really feel terribly exciting. He doesn’t perform a sign, he doesn’t attack any soldiers. He doesn’t tear the veil in half. There is no climax here.

I want to quote Edwards again here - as I think it really summarizes things well. He writes.

The Gospel according to Mark Jesus Enters Jerusalem (11:1–11)

Mark is warning against mistaking enthusiasm for faith and popularity for discipleship. Jesus is not confessed in pomp and circumstance but only at the cross

The crowd didn’t get it yet. The disciples didn’t, even if they continued to follow. The expectations that they had, the hype - was short lived. He enters with a crowd, and leaves with his small group.

We can’t forget as David Magmum writes in his commentary.

Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament The Triumphal Entry (11:1–11)

The “triumph” of this event is found in Christ and not in those who witnessed it so happily.

That’s the end of Mark’s short account of the triumphal entry.

And we know if you keep reading, he does come back into the temple, clears it. And ultimately he will head to the cross - the lamb of God as come to take away the sins of the world.

But for now JEsus and his twelve leave town.

And so I want to ask the question:

So What?

This is an important question as we walk into Holy Week. For a lot who grow up in a christianized culture like ourselves - we can grow accustomed to the stories, and we show up on the big days, check off the jesus box, wave a palm frond - maybe whip our friend with one - but we don’t stop to ask what God may be doing and trying to communicate to us about how we are to live.

In many ways, when we do that, when we go through the motions, but we don’t live it out, we exemplify a demonic faith.

I know, that’s a harsh statement - but i truly have come to believe it. Think of James 2:18-20

James 2:18–20 (CSB)

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shudder. Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?

There are a lot of people who believe the correct things about God, but have not submitted to Christ, and show their faith to be more demonic than salvific.

You can know a lot about God - and JEsus - and you can even call Jesus Lord - and still not get it.

I mean, that’s what a lot of the people who were in our narrative today did, they followed jesus, went before him. Knew all the words to the hymns and praise songs - not only that - they got all pentecostal with it and waved palm banners everywhere - but when the hype died down - they left. They knew about JEsus - but they didn’t know Jesus.

And they had a lot of misunderstandings of Jesus - they said Messiah - but they had their own opinions shaped by their own culture of what that meant - so their discipleship was skewed. And so when Jesus started to suffer - they jumped ship. They scattered. NotMyJesus.

Like i shared at the beginning of the sermon - i have been really made aware recently through recent events, and studying history, and frankly seeing youtube videos - just how susceptible we all are to deception. We as humans can tend to make ourselves the main character in our lives and stories - thinking others are wrong - and we are all subject to confirmation bias - and especially when our culture has so many messages about Jesus and Christianity - with a significant amount are just wrong - we ought to be careful that our perspective of Jesus and Messiah is correct!

Our perspective of Jesus and who he is REALLY matters.

There are some really intimidating words in Matthew 7 i want to read with y'all

Matthew 7:21–23 CSB

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’

So there are going to be people who call JEsus Lord, Senor, Master, who have done miracles in his life - but they did not Know JEsus, and they did not apparently do the will of the Father in heaven.

Now here’s the beautiful part, right? All but the twelve abandoned JEsus at the end of this narrative - and we know that during the upcoming week - when JEsus was crucified, the rest were scattered. But - Jesus still pursued them. They showed up in the upper room, terrified, but Jesus was still after them.

Our faith can never be perfect without Christ - He is the author and perfecter of our faith.

But we need to continue to come to him, for if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrightousness 1 John 1:9

We need to time and time again come to Jesus and confess our need for him, beg for faith, and walk in obedience. We need to constantly be congnizant of the ways that satan tries to lead us astray.

And we need to submit ourselves to the revealed truths of scripture, and we can look back over the course of history through the Church to see those who have walked before us and gain all sorts of wisdom.

So What?

Friend I want to invite you too look at and toward Jesus Christ as revealed through JESus and the historic faith of the Church.

There are a lot of questions that people have about the faith, how to live it, what to believe, that Christians for thousands of years have actually already figured out the work! The question is whether we want to step into the faith.

The phrase lean in comes to mind. Stay with Christ. Keep pressing into him. Ask him for truth. Dig into the word. Follow him. And we do that together. Ask for faith. Keep praying.

Trust him as Lord, as savior, as God. And allow him to call the shots.

So in that vein, I want to end with a corporate confession.

In a lot of evangelical protestant churches we have moved away from corporate readings and confessions, I think much to our detriment. While they can become rout and meaningless - without them we can become ungrounded and prone to the whims of the times.

I want us to read the Nicene Creed together to end. The Nicene creed was formed during the nicene council in 325 ad, and was the first ecumenical council called. The Church fathers and bishops gathered together to summarize the beliefs that the church upheld, and to formalize the canon of Scripture. For 1700 years, this creed has been used to help encapsulate the core foundations of our faith. And so I think it right, when we talk about how we are prone to get things wrong - we remind ourselves of the core truths revealed through Scripture, and expressed in the Nicene creed.

Would you stand with me and we will read this together, corporately.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen, and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father.

Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Friends this is our confession of faith for christians for thousands of years. Would we be faithful to Christ. JESus the messiah. And would we follow him in faith.