The Triumphal Entry

Approaching Jerusalem

We have been studying Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem as recorded in the Gospel of Mark in our Lenten services this year. the first lesson was when Jesus asked his disciples; Who do men say that I am? they replied one of the prophets, Elijah, or John the Baptist returned to life. Jesus asked but who do you say that I am and Peter replied; “ you are the Son of the Living God.” Jesue said; “blessed are you Peter for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven and on this rock I will build my church.”

At this time Jesus predicts his death and resurrection. The next event is the Transfiguration where Jesus takes Peter, James, and John, his inner circle with him up on a high mountain. There Jesus was surrounded by a dazzling brightness, his clothes became whiter than anyone could bleach them. Moses and Elijah appeared to him and the disciples were afraid. A cloud covered them and a voice from heaven said; “This is my Son whom I love, listen to him.”

Suddenly when they looked around they saw no one except Jesus. He told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. The disciples discussed what this meant. After this Jesus predicted his death a second time.

They continued on their way to Jerusalem. Jesus continued to preform miracles and taught them as they traveled. a third time he told them what was going to happen. Mark10.33- 34 “The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles, who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise”.

They still did not understand what Jesus was teaching them.

This brings us to the point of today’s message, the entry into Jerusalem. When Jesus and his disciples came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives. he sent two of them to find a colt,