We now come to the final days of Jesus' ministry before his arrest and crucifixion. The story of Jesus' final days begins with his entry into Jerusalem as the long awaited messiah. Some recognize the import of the moment, but for most, it is business as usual.

v1-3. Jesus was on the pilgrim's road from Jericho, a road which climbed some 800 meters to Jerusalem. The road passed near to Bethany, over the Mount of Olives, down to the Kidron Valley and by the small village of Bethphage just outside Jerusalem (more a suburb). On the side road leading to Bethany, Jesus gets his disciples to go to the village and collect a colt. The fact that "no one has ever ridden" it, serves to highlight its sacred task, Num.19:2, Deut.21:3. The detailed recording of this and other seemingly unimportant observations, serves to provide clues on how Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfills messianic prophecy, eg. the king who comes with a shout of acclamation, cf. The Oracle of Judah, Gen.49:8-12. So, by these signs we see Jesus as the "Coming One". It is unlikely there is anything miraculous about Jesus riding an unbroken animal; he was probably just good with animals. As for the fact that the animal was waiting for him, this only indicates that its use had been prearranged by Jesus.

v4-6. The disciples follow Jesus' instructions to the letter - they go, they untie, and they say....

v7. In place of a saddle the disciples place their outer garments on the colt.

v8. The spontaneous reaction of some of the pilgrims demonstrates great respect toward Jesus. For similar expressions of respect see 2Kin.9:12f, 1Macc.13:51. Yet, their response is not necessarily a recognition of his messiahship. It could just be a salute to Jesus the prophet, entering Jerusalem to fulfill his prophetic mission. Of course, Mark writes with the eyes of faith and so for those who see this is indeed the coming of the Davidic king.

v9-10. Unaware that the kingdom of God is already realized in the person of Jesus the "coming" messiah, the pilgrims sing/chant Psalm 118:25f, one of the Hallel Psalms (Ps.113-118) used liturgically during Passover and Tabernacles. They sing in honour of the coming king and his kingdom, unaware that the king is already in their presence. The word "hosanna" originally meant "save us", but was by now used as an acclamation, something like Hallelujah. The "he who comes" can mean the pilgrims, since they are the blessed ones, yet it is likely that Mark sees Jesus as the "coming one." The chant, "Blessed is he who comes", is not only an illusion to Psalm 118:25f, but also to Genesis 49:10.

v11. Although this verse serves to round off the episode, it more rightly introduces Jesus' cleansing of the temple. Mark describes Jesus entering the temple and surveying the situation.

The coming of Jesus to Jerusalem is a further self-revelation of Jesus the messiah. Yet, the subtlety of the revelation maintains the messianic secret. From our perspective, we see the king coming to receive his kingly crown, acclaimed by his people. His glorious enthronement, of course, is no glory from a human standpoint, for he comes to the cross. What is clear to us is anything but clear to the pilgrims. They at least recognize Jesus the prophet, but certainly not the messiah.

The acted-out parable of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a further public disclosure of his messiahship, yet it is a disclosure for those with eyes to see. Few, other than the disciples (and even then we are not sure they read the signs), see the significance of the event, yet the event is recorded to draw the reader to faith. The reader is asked to respond in faith to Jesus the messiah, the king who rides toward his coronation, acclaimed by the pilgrim crowd. Even nature bends to his lordship for he rides on an unbroken colt.

The subtlety of Jesus' self-revelation is still with us today. For us he remains the "coming one", coming to the Ancient of Days to claim his throne with us his saints. In a sense he is there and we are there with him. In another sense he is still coming, still journeying toward that day of glory. We can easily miss the signs, be transfixed by the energy of the moment, even diverted by religious enthusiasm, diverted by church business. Life is a journey to glory and we best not miss its eternal purpose.

1. Why record seemingly unnecessary details such as a colt "no one has ever ridden"?

2. What is the significance in the "one who comes" and his "coming kingdom"?

3. What application should we draw from this incident?