I. Some symbolic markers to understand the passage
1. In the previous passage (Mark 10:46-52), Jesus was addressed “Son of David”—a messianic title from 2 Samuel 7:12-13
2. Mount of Olives: Zechariah 14:3-4 Messianic King will begin His rule from here
3. Jesus riding a donkey
(a) 1 Kings 1:33 Solomon sat on David’s mule and was taken to Gihon to be anointed
(b) 1 Maccabees 13:51 Simon’s men entered the citadel on the twenty-third day of the second month, in the year 171, with utterances of praise and palm branches and to the music of lyres and cymbals and lutes and hymns and songs, because a great enemy had been smashed and driven out of Israel
4. Signing of Psalm 118:25-26 (a portion of the enthronement psalm): entrance of YHWH and His ascension on to the throne as the King accompanied by many His ardent worshippers [Save us, Lord, save us! Give us success, O Lord! May God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! From the Temple of the Lord we bless you]
5. The people spreading branches and clothes: part of enthronement celebrations
6. Except the instructions regarding the colt, Jesus does not speak/preach
II. Without speaking a word, Jesus delivers a sermon in which He reveals His identity and probably expects an appropriate response
III. Jesus tells the people of Judah that He is the King, the fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9-10
1. The characters of the King (verse 9)
(a) He will be righteous
(b) He will bring salvation to His people
(c) He will be “humble”
(d) He will ride a donkey, a colt (not a warrior, but a peaceful king)
2. The actions of the King (verse 10)
(a) He will put an end to the war assets such as: chariots, war horses, and bows
(b) He would establish peaceful relationship with rest of the world
(c) His reign will expand beyond Judean geographical boundary
IV. Jesus offers Himself as the King of Judea, but it looks like that the people did not understand or not really interested in His offer
1. The enthusiasm of the people did not last too long; the crowd mysteriously disappeared as they reached the Temple (verse 11)
2. The passage ends with Jesus being alone in the Temple (verse 11a)
3. The Temple is not the place where Jesus was going to retire (verse 11b), but in Bethany (most likely either with Lazarus or Simon the Leper)
4. The Gospel writer Mark appears to be teaching that enthusiasm must not be mistaken for faith and following for discipleship.
5. Is this phenomenon true even today?
V. Take Away
1. Accept Jesus as your King
(a) Serve Him with obedience (11:2-3a)
(b) Honor Him by not withholding (11:3b)
(c) Allow Him to have all authority over you (11:7c)
(d) Accept what He offers to you and not what you want of Him (11:9-10)
