Mark 11:1-11
1When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2and 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. 3If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11Then 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.
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If you were to plan an entrance for Jesus, what would it look like? If he were to come to Bloomington, to Peace, or to your home, what would you do in order to make sure Jesus felt welcomed and to show him hospitality?
In modern times, presidents and world leaders often travel in fancy airplanes, have motorcades with nice cars, and operate under intense security and with the best technology. Even back in Jesus’ time, kings and emperors would ride on noble steeds, have vast entourages, and parade their wealth for all to see.
Yet Jesus, the king of kings and lord of lords, makes an entrance into Jerusalem riding on a lowly donkey. Jesus was and still is an unexpected king—one who leads not with hubris, but with humility. One who leads not with the power of his might, but by the power of his mercy and love. Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Prayer: Gracious God, you lead us by example in your humility and in your care for others. Teach us how to be humble and rid us of our desires for more wealth, more power, and more things—that we would serve you and your Kingdom out of the goodness of our hearts and the greatness of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Pastor Joe Orner