7/26/10 Mark 11:1-11 The King Came Over the Mountain

1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.' " 4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, 5 some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" 6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. 7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna! " "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" 10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

(Ben in the tomb of Lazarus in Bethany- where Jesus started his journey)

Thoughts: Jesus started his journey on the opposite side of the Mount of Olives from Jerusalem.  So he came over the mountain into the city.  I have often seen movies (like Braveheart) where the rescuing force crests the top of the hill and their form is silhouetted and clearly seen against the sky.  Or like the cavalry standing in a line atop the mountain waiting to save the homesteaders holding off raiders in the valley below.  Jesus comes from over the mountain- where he was unseen- to save us.  Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus.  Bethany was the place where the woman anointed Jesus for his death and wiped the anointing oil off with her hair.  Bethany was the place where Lazarus was raised from the dead and Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life- those who believe in me, though they were dead yet shall they live."  Jesus starts here toward his cross and resurrection.  So we also should remember that Jesus comes to rescue us from our sins. When we face our crosses, we should remember that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. 

Prayer: Lord, Help me to be aware of your help in this life and the next. Let me live in your hope today.

John Calvin Abridged: It appears from the prophecy of Zechariah that Jesus rode only on the colt.  When they spoke in earnest, Christ accepted them as heralds of his kingship.  "Hosanna" is similar to when we say, "Thy kingdom come."