Triumphal Entry (3)

Cloaked

The mysteries of the gospel is on display here much like the encounter in Acts much later when Ananias is sent to free Saul of his blindness. Jesus takes charge and sends his disciples to get the colt. Jesus often times, is more than happy to let the disciples take care of the details. But, not this time.

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 11

11 And when they came near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village before you, and right away as you* enter into it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it.* 3 And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say ‘The Lord has need of it, and will send it here again at once.’ ”

Now this story should be all about the triumphal entry, right? But what I will ask you today is, what is the measure of success?Do we even understand what Jesus’ goal was and how he measured success? Today, I want all of us here to close our eyes for a moment of silence and try to imagine where you would be in this story.

Are you a Pharisee, trying to get the crowd to stop praising the entry? Are you quietly amazed at all those caught up in worshipping a false God? Did you wear your cloak here today intending to throw it in the Isle and welcome the King? Did you feel funny doing it? Are you someone who didn’t want to participate at all?

Notice that the followers of Jesus are impacted by doing what they were told, and not only that but very specific instructions. Have you ever been asked to do something and follow very specific instructions? Often times we are put off by the instructions, why can’t I do it the way I want? Notice in this passage, the disciples follow the instructions. When they do the result is that they are amazed that all is exactly as the master said it would be.

4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. 5 And some of those who were standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 So they told them, just as Jesus had said, and they allowed them to take it. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, and he sat on it.

Harris, W. H., III, Ritzema, E., Brannan, R., Mangum, D., Dunham, J., Reimer, J. A., & Wierenga, M. (Eds.). (2012). The Lexham English Bible (Mk 11:3–7). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

So, ask yourself this morning what is it with the cloak? If you remember in 1 Kings when Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha it is a sign that Elijah has called Elisha to be his disciple; A follower. So the triumphal entry was all about giving authority to Jesus. The people who threw their cloaks and waved branches were honoring Jesus by giving him authority.

What do I hope you take home today? That Jesus calls us to accept Him as the Spiritual Authority in your life.