Mark 11:1-12
When the Lord Jesus and the disciples came to the end of their journey, Jerusalem, a very special event took place: Jesus rode into the city and up its streets, to offer Himself as the Great and Holy King for Israel, promised by God (Zech. 9:9).
Most kings in those times rode on horses, or with horses and chariots, but the kings of Israel, when crowned, rode on asses or mules. These are not swift as horses, but patient, sure footed and safe. A horse was used for battle, an ass for work and to carry loads. The king of Israel was to come peacefully, not as for battle, nor as a conqueror over the people, but to help them. He was chosen by God, and meant to rule for God (1 Kings 1:32-39).
That was the reason Jesus, as rightful King, chosen by God, rode on an ass into the city where the kings had lived and ruled. Jesus and the men with Him had no doubt walked from Galilee, and He had no animal to ride: one had to be borrowed. Jesus knew where to send the disciples to get one, and they were to tell the owner, that the Lord had need of it.
The animal is spoken of as a colt, perhaps we would have called it a donkey: it must not have been very little, but was young, and had never been ridden on. Usually a young animal not trained to be ridden, would not let a stranger on it. But that colt let the men place the garments on its back, and let Jesus ride into the city and up the streets and must have gone obediently, showing Jesus had power over, the animal, the same as fish and the wind and sea obeyed His will.
This ride was made a few days before the feast of the Passover, when people of Israel came to Jerusalem from all countries to keep the feast. So there were many to see Jesus as HE rode through the city. Many had come from Galilee and towns along the way, who had seen the wonderful cures of the sick, blind, and lame, and other great miracles; some had been raised from death.
No other could do as He did, or had such wisdom, and the people wanted to honor Him: some spread their cloaks along His way, others cut branches from trees, probably, palm branches, much used to welcome great heroes. They were under the Roman nation, with no king of their own, and would have gladly made Jesus King. They sang from the psalms,
“Hosanna,” which’ meant, “Save, we beseech Thee.” And,
“Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Psalms 118:25,26.
This was true of the Lord Jesus: He came in the Name of God, His Father, not by His own authority. When He came to the Temple, the leaders there should have crowned Him the Great King, chosen by God. But they did not, nor welcome Him, nor give Him a place to stay the night. Mark wrote, “Jesus entered into the Temple: and when He had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, He went out unto Bethany,” (a village near).
ML 04/30/1944