Why are You Doing This

“Why are You Doing This?”

Mark 11:1-11 (1572)

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ ”

4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest!”

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Introduction – June Summer Celebration (parade)

We are between parades now

Vs 1 – Jesus sees His parade route

Not just a route but a beautiful view of the city (2600’ elev.)
the city looked great from the surface

A great place for a parade entrance

Why a parade route

We see this at the end of Vs 1 & beginning of Vs 2

Jesus sets up the procession

Walking on the path was for Pilgrims

Which normally would have been Jesus’ way...

...but this time He wants to ride

He wants to create a scene
He commands – Go untie & bring (imperative)

He is serious, but in a different way

Go & Bring – would you have to say untie... (luo) loose; bound – Why?

Does this have to do with being set free

Colt never ridden – sign of royalty

This was culture – Summer celebration = Parades

Vs 4-6 – Again we see what Jesus says fulfilled

Was this a sign of His divinity
Did he know the owners and had this set up

Vs 7-10 – We see how quickly culture jumps in

Cloths are thrown on the colt and the ground

Branches as well
Immediately – you do this... then this happens

They also knew naturally what to say

Ps 118:25-26 - O Lord, save us;

O Lord, grant us success. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.

Hosanna – Save us
They were looking for a physical king

Destroyer not a Savior

Then we see the Triumphal Ending

Or at least we see the ending
Where should this climax in this culture

Jerusalem = Temple

Vs 11 – Jesus goes to the temple but...

... he received no priestly welcome
Jerusalem was not as excited as His followers
The temple was empty – building but nothing going on
The party was over

He looked around – Gk. (a quick look) you just know...
Long gap in a parade at the end

If that was you... what would happen
I know what Bren would ask me

Why are you doing this?

Vs 3 – Jesus predicts the same question
Where would Jesus ask our culture

When this happens... then this happens
Married = Children
Children = Baptism
Baptism = Education
Education = Profession of Faith
Profession of Faith = Marriage

Jesus showed up here today

Beautiful temple
We look good from the surface

Where would He say...?

Why are you doing this?
Or...

Why does prayer become important when medicine won’t cure
Why do people come to pray for crops...?
Why do you complain when there is change or when tradition is broken
Why is it so important for you and your family to be part of a church but all week long you won’t talk about your faith

Apostle Paul says… “You are the temple”

1 Cor 3:16 - Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?

Jesus has just done the Triumphal Entry
We are now between parades
Christ is looking around the temple (you)
Does He see the Spirit living in you or a shining surface