Who’s on your donkey?

Mark 11:1–11 NRSV

1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Intro

Have you ever tried to make someone else into someone they are not?

-Example, my brother and I are 8 years apart. When he was in Jr. High he finally got into playing sports. My brother is not a super athletic person. I think by his own admission he would admit to being the least athletic person in our family. So knowing this when he told us he wanted to play baseball I immediately thought, pitcher. Even though he is unathletic he is built athletic, tall, long arms, long stride, he has the build to be a good pitcher. We worked for hours upon hours, days upon days, and it just wasn’t happening and never did. He played 2 or 3 seasons had a great time but never stepped foot on the mound. I tried to fit my brother into a box that he didn’t belong in, and I think like we will see with the people of Jerusalem we do that with Jesus as well.

Kids Moment

—> Invite the kids to participate in the story

Read Mark 11:1-11

So let me ask you the question then

“who is on your donkey?”

Explanation of the symbols:

Pal Branches/Coats

Parade of a King returning

Jesus riding a donkey and not a horse

The people were waiting on a conquering hero/king someone like King David, someone that would lead them out from under Rome and make them their own nation once more.

Who do we want Jesus to be?

Dr. Phil

Dear Abby

Jeannie from the lamp

Who is Jesus?

Someone that is giving up everything for us but wants everything in return.

Someone who is worthy to follow no matter the cost.

Someone who deserves the parade and the accolades.