COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 120
“ Mark 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. 8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strowed them in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”
(Mark 11:7; Matthew 21:4-9; Lk 19:35-38; John 12:12-16)
THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM
INTRODUCTION
We are now entering into the last few days of Jesus’ life prior to His death. The events now focus more specifically on that death, and the atonement that would be effected by it. There is only one Person in all of the world who knows what is actually being wrought at this time, and it is Jesus Himself. Not even His disciples – the ones who have been consistently with Him – are aware of the events that are going to take place. One might suppose that Jesus would now withdraw from the multitudes in order to fulfill this work. Instead, He still walks among them, doing good and healing those who are oppressed by the devil, teaching and engaging the hearing of the people. It will not be until the very night of His betrayal that He will withdraw from everyone and pray with “strong cryings and tears” about His death.
Here we are being exposed to how the Spirit works within. In Jesus we see an unrelenting focus, and yet there is an awareness of all that is about Him. He answers His critics, instructs His disciples, blesses little children, deals with a rich man seeking eternal life, expounds the nature of true leadership to His disciples, heals a blind man, and now sends His disciples to bring a colt to Him that has never been ridden – and all without losing His focus! This is how real life is lived out – in possession of insight and peace, wisdom and mercy. Oh, that men were able to more fully perceive the wondrous things that are being revealed in the life of Jesus. Those who truly beheld Him confessed, “the Life was manifested, and we have seen it . . . that eternal life, which was with the Father” (1 John 1:1-2). By grace, we can see it also!
JESUS RIDES THE COLT
“ Mark 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. 8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strowed them in the way.”
THE TIME PRECISELY DEFINED. John precisely defines the time during which this event took place. It was the day after they prepared a feast for Jesus in Bethany, at which Mary anointed the feet of Jesus, anointing Him for His burial. At that time the chief priests “consulted that they might put Lazarus to death.” However, there were also many of the Jews that “believed on Jesus” (John 12:1-11). Although no one else knew the significance these things, they were instrumental in preparing Jesus to lay down His life. His body was sanctified for burial, and His presence caused many to believe on Him. “On the next day,” with holy memories and a resolute spirit, Jesus came into Jerusalem (John 12:12). It is that event to which our text refers. In the series of events that follow, the primary ministry will be to Jesus Himself.
THIS WAS ALL DELIBERATELY DONE. We are not reading of the mere spontaneous acts of people, although it has every appearance of being precisely that. Matthew is very specific about the cause of the events that follow. “All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass” (Matt 21:4-5). Men were not seeking to fulfill the Scripture. This is something that God did! God is moving men, drawing them to Jesus, and compelling them to honor Him. They have not done anything like this before. As the appointed hour approaches, the heavens orchestrate what is happening in Jerusalem. They were aware of Jesus before, but never were they more aware of His presence than they will be on this day! This is the “Lord’s doing,” and is indicative of how men will be drawn to Him following His resurrection and enthronement in heaven.
THEY BROUGHT THE COLT TO JESUS. Matthew reads they “brought the ass, and the colt” to Jesus. Here is a simple, yet profound, description of obedience. They simply did what they were told to do. The obedience itself involved going into a nearby village, identifying a particular colt, loosing it and its mother, and giving an answer to the owners who inquired what they were doing. However, the details were not the point. It was the obedience that must be seen. Men are prone to get wrapped up in procedures – things that God has said must be done. However, it is the aim of the procedures that must be grasped, and not the procedures themselves. “They brought the colt to Jesus!” If that had not happened, it would have made no difference what else they may have done.
THEY CAST THEIR GARMENTS ON HIM. Matthew says they “put their clothes” on the colt (Matt 21:7). The meaning is that the two disciples that brought the colt put their own garments on it, forming a kind of saddle for the Lord. I understand these to be their outer garments, which were more heavy, and suitable for the occasion. Thus they displayed a preference for the Master above their own interests and comfort – also a manner of the Kingdom.
HE SAT ON THE COLT. Matthew says “and they set Him thereon” (Matt 21:7), apparently lifting him to the place where He could be seated. Remember, this is a colt that had never been ridden, and the disciples knew it. What thoughts must have coursed through their minds as they placed Jesus on that untamed colt, beholding the docility and submission of an animal that is generally noted for stubbornness and being unable to be turned (Jer 2:24).
OTHERS PREPARE THE WAY. Notice how all of the attention has been drawn to the Person of Jesus. Now “many spread their garments in the way,” created a sort of carpet for the entry of the King. Luke says “as He went, spread their clothes in the way,” placing their clothes in the path that He was taking, and not throwing them down randomly. Matthew says “a very great multitude” did this, working in harmony and with focus. That is the effect Jesus has upon people when even a measure of His greatness is perceived. All ordinary notions of convenience and self-interest are suspended, and Jesus becomes the center of attention. Their conduct reminds us of the respect that was afforded Jehu after Elisha had anointed him king: “Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him on the top of the stairs [on the bare steps NASB], and blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu is king” (2 Kgs 9:13).
THEY STROWED THE WAY. Others, perceiving the dignity of the moment, cut down and spread “leafy branches,” NASB and “spread them on the road.” NKJV John says they “took branches of palm trees and went forth to meet Him” (John 12:13). In other words, they came prepared to enter into the occasion. In their minds this was a significant event. However, they had no idea of the magnitude of that significance or of its ministry to Jesus Himself. There is no doubt that this was intended to strengthen the hand of the Savior as He prepared to lay down His life. First God sends Mary to anoint Him for His burial. Then He brings a wild colt who humbly submits to Him. Now the multitudes will prepare the way for Him and laud Him in language that will minister to His soul. All of this is the work of God.
BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD
“ 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
THE FEAST. John tells us that “much people” had “come to the feast” in Jerusalem. He also defines that time as “the Jew’s Passover,” stating that prior to this “many went out of the country up to Jerusalem to purify themselves” (John 11:55). He also says that they had Jesus on their minds when they arrived in the city: “Then sought they for Jesus, and spake among themselves, as they stood in the temple, What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?” (John 11:56). Following the raising of Lazarus, they knew that the Pharisees had begun to counsel how they might put Jesus to death. As a result “Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with His disciples” (John 11:47-54). Now, they are wondering if He will return for the Passover. He had attended the Passover when He was twelve years of age (Luke 2:41-41-43). The first time He cleansed the Temple, it was close to the Passover, which He also attended (John 2:13,23). When He fed the 5,000, it was close to the time of the Passover (John 6:4). Now, when the multitude was in Jerusalem at the time of the Feast, they wondered if He would come. It is important to seek the Lord in the right place, and at the right time. As it is written, “Seek ye the LORD while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near” (Isa 55:6). Let me once again underscore the fact, so far as the present moment is concerned, that this is more for Jesus than for the others.
COMING DOWN FROM THE MOUNT. Luke says that as Jesus and His disciples approached the road that “goes down from the Mount of Olives,” NIV “the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen” (Luke 19:37). The sight of Jesus stirred their recollection of the mighty deeds He had done among them. That is what an awareness of the real Jesus does for those who have tasted of Him – it brings forth insightful praise for what he has already done.
Their words, as recorded by Luke, are most arresting: “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:38). It is the Lord speaking through them, testifying to the effects of the death Jesus would accomplish: “peace in heaven!” When Jesus entered the world, angels shouted “peace on earth!” Now that He was going to die, men cry out “peace in heaven!” Just as surely as God had spoken of the effectiveness of Christ’s death earlier through Caiaphas (John 11:50-51), now He speaks through the multitude, announcing the effects of reconciliation in heaven itself.
THEY WENT BEFORE HIM AND AFTER HIM. Both Matthew and Mark affirm that those who were going before Jesus and those who were following Him were shouting His praise: “multitudes that went before, and that followed” (Matt 21:8); “they that went before and they that followed” (Mk 11:9). Thus Jesus is surrounded by praise. It is a foreshadowing of the praise that would attend Him when He ascended into heaven, accompanied by angelic hosts (Psa 24:7-10). Daniel’s prophecy of Jesus returning to heaven is also seen in this event (Dan 7:13-14). It also fulfills the Psalm, “God is gone up with a shout”(Psa 47:5). While men were not able to make these correlations, you may be sure the Lord was able to do so.
HOSANNA! The multitude is united in its expression, for the Lord is worthy of consistent and harmonious praise. Matthew, Mark, and John represent the multitude saying “Hosanna!” Matthew records, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matt 21:9). Mark records them saying “Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord,” and “Hosanna in the highest” (Mk 11:9-10). John records, “Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13).
The word “Hosanna” means “save, I pray . . . be propitious” THAYER and “save! Help, we pray,” FRIBERG In the English language this word speaks of adoration and applause. Here, however, the lauding is associated with Jesus being Savior. The multitude, no doubt, associated saving with various forms of temporal deliverance – like Israel being delivered from Egypt, or when the disciples cried out “Lord, save us, we perish,” during a storm (Matt 8:25). The concept of being saved from sin was not at all common prior to the declaration of the Gospel of Christ. The announcement concerning Jesus’ birth was, “He shall save His people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). Now, the people’s cry exceeds their understanding, yet speaks volumes to Jesus.
BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH. The multitude associated Jesus with a reign: “Son of David . . . the King of Israel.” However, they were thinking of a political kingdom, and a king like unto David, as well as coming from the lineage of David. They felt He was being sent to them like Moses was sent to Israel, to free them from political tyranny, and enable them to regain their national sovereignty. Of course, they were not the last people who viewed Jesus in such a manner, associating Him exclusively with their status in this world, and thinking very little about their relationship to God Himself, and readiness for eternity.
BLESSED BE THE KINGDOM OF OUR FATHER DAVID
“ 10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”
BLESSED BE THE KINGDOM. Other versions read, “Blessed is the coming kingdom.” NASB The people felt the Kingdom, as they perceived it, was about to be launched. Indeed, both John the Baptist and Jesus had announced the Kingdom was “at hand” (Matt 3:2; 4:17). Jesus had also sent out His disciples to preach, telling them to say, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 10:7). Yet, this the kind of Kingdom envisioned by the people was different kind of kingdom.
The prophets had spoken of this Kingdom, although it’s manner was not clearly identified. “Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it . . .” (Isa 9:7). “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom . . .” (Dan 2:44). “And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom . . .” (Dan 7:14). These are the only clear associations of the coming Messiah with a Kingdom, even though there were several other allusions to it. Now, in a moment of insight, orchestrated from heaven, the people have associated Jesus of Nazareth with that Kingdom, even though their perception of it is somewhat faulty. They call for a blessing to be upon it.
These people were further along in their familiarity with Scriptural affirmations than the church of our day. With such a few clear references to this Kingdom and its association with the Christ, the people had formed a view that appeared to them to be on the verge of being fulfilled. How wonderful it would be if we were in a generation that could associate the Lord Jesus Christ with what is said of Him in Scripture! Such abilities are exceedingly rare!
OUR FATHER DAVID. Matthew reads that people said, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matt 21:9). Mark has the people referring to “the kingdom of our father David.” There is no variance in the view. One is accenting the lineage Jesus, and the other His ministry. Both are traced back to David. Other than those directly related to David, no Israelite of old ever referred to David as their “father.” Prophetically, the Messiah was spoken of as being “the Son of David” (Matt 1:1; 9:27; 12:23; 15:22), and He was declared to be appointed by God to be given “the throne of His father David” (Lk 1:32). However, notwithstanding that vagueness, there was a sensitivity among the people that the Messiah was coming to them to fulfill the promise that had been made to David of a Son to whom the throne and kingdom would be given (2 Sam 7:12-16). Although not characterized by much clarity, and appearing to refer to Solomon, David knew it had much larger implications. He referred to it in the 89th (verses 3-4) and 132rd (v 11) Psalms. Jeremiah also referred to “my covenant” which he had made with David (Jeremiah 33:20-21).
COMING IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Luke records the people said, “Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Lk 19:38). To come in the name of the Lord is to come because God sent Him to do a work God gave Him to do. They saw Jesus as representing God, fulfilling the promises of God, speaking the words of God, and doing the work of God. The extent to which they saw this is not clear, but the events that will take place in the next few days will confirm they were generally ignorant of what they were really saying. God was speaking through them to Jesus. In less than a week, these very people will cry out “Crucify Him!” (Lk 23:21).
HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST. Other versions present varying views of this challenging saying. “Hail to the King of the universe” LIVING – i.e. Praising Him who has come to save from on High. “Hosanna to God” IE – i.e praising God in heaven who has sent Him to save. “God in the highest heavens save Him” WEYMOUTH – i.e. May God in heaven preserve and bless the One He sent to save. “Welcome Him from on high” WILLIAMS – i.e. Receive the One who is sent from heaven to save. There is an element of truth in all of these. Briefly summarized, the saying is recognizing that the One who comes to save is sent from heaven by God Himself.
THE RESPONSE OF THE PHARISEES. “And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples” (Luke 19:39). The Pharisees had made no association of Jesus with salvation or the God of heaven. Therefore, they were offended by the cries of the people, yet they could do nothing about it. Thus, they ask Jesus to silent them. The Master replied by telling them, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:40). This was a God-ordained hour, and the Lord knew it.
THE DISCIPLES DID NOT UNDERSTAND. At the time, these significant events were not understood by the disciples. John writes, “These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things unto Him” (John 12:16). The glorification of Jesus, therefore, is directly related to the understanding of Him and His Gospel. That removes spiritual understanding from the realm of academics, for they do not depend upon a glorified Christ. There are two senses in which Jesus is glorified, and both must be in place if a proper understanding is to be obtained. First, God Himself must glorify Christ – and He has already done that (Acts 3:13). Second, men must be brought to the point where they glorify God in their lives (1 Cor 6:20).