The Humble King: Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Summary
In Mark 11:1-11, we witness a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus as He enters Jerusalem, marking the beginning of the final week of His earthly ministry. This passage is rich with symbolism and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, highlighting Jesus' identity as the promised King and Messiah. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He instructs His disciples to fetch a colt, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, which foretold that the Messiah would enter the city riding on a donkey. This act signifies Jesus' kingship, but in a manner that contrasts with worldly expectations of power and majesty. Unlike earthly kings who rode on mighty steeds, Jesus chooses a humble donkey, emphasizing His role as a servant King.
The journey to Jerusalem is not just a geographical movement but a profound spiritual journey. Jesus' entry into the city is a fulfillment of the patriarchal blessing given to Judah in Genesis 49, where the scepter shall not depart from Judah until Shiloh comes. This moment is a culmination of centuries of anticipation, where the Lion of Judah enters His city, not with fanfare but with humility and purpose. The people’s response, laying down their garments and waving palm branches, echoes the ancient tradition of honoring a king, reminiscent of Jehu's anointing in the Old Testament.
As Jesus enters the temple, we are reminded of the glory of God that once departed from Israel, as seen in Ezekiel's vision. Now, the glory returns in the person of Jesus, the true temple, fulfilling the prophecy of His coming. This moment is not just a historical event but a theological statement about the restoration of God's presence among His people. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a reminder of His mission to fulfill the law and the prophets, to be the ultimate sacrifice, and to restore the relationship between God and humanity.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Humble King: Jesus' choice to ride a donkey into Jerusalem fulfills Zechariah's prophecy and signifies His role as a humble King. This act challenges our understanding of power and leadership, reminding us that true greatness is found in humility and service. Jesus' kingship is not about domination but about sacrificial love and servanthood. [07:36]
2. Prophetic Fulfillment: The events of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem are deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, from the patriarchal blessing of Judah to the vision of Ezekiel. This highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the faithfulness of His promises. It encourages us to trust in God's timing and His unfolding plan in our lives. [10:30]
3. The Return of Glory: Jesus' entry into the temple signifies the return of God's glory to His people. In 586 BC, the glory departed, but now it returns in the person of Jesus. This reminds us that Jesus is the true temple, the dwelling place of God's presence, and invites us to experience His glory in our lives. [27:28]
4. The Significance of the Temple: Jesus' destination was not just Jerusalem but the temple, the place of sacrifice and worship. This underscores His mission to fulfill the law and the prophets and to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin. It calls us to recognize Jesus as the center of our worship and the fulfillment of all God's promises. [24:50]
5. The Advent of the King: The entry into Jerusalem is a continuation of the advent theme, where Jesus, born as a King, now enters His city to fulfill His destiny. This reminds us that Christmas is not just about the birth of Jesus but about His entire mission to bring salvation and establish His kingdom. [28:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - The Journey to Jerusalem
- [01:14] - The Triumphal Entry
- [01:56] - Jesus in the Temple
- [02:56] - The Significance of the Last Week
- [03:53] - The Advent of the King
- [04:46] - Prophetic Fulfillment
- [05:36] - The Route to Jerusalem
- [06:11] - The Colt and the Prophecy
- [07:36] - The Humble King
- [09:00] - The Lion of Judah
- [10:30] - The Return of Glory
- [12:13] - The King's Prerogative
- [13:59] - The Sovereign's Need
- [14:51] - The Red Carpet of Garments
- [18:03] - The Mount of Olives
- [24:50] - The Significance of the Temple
- [27:28] - The Glory Returns
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 11:1-11
- Zechariah 9:9
- Genesis 49:8-12
---
Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the colt, and how did they respond? [00:32]
2. How did the people react to Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, and what actions did they take to honor Him? [01:14]
3. What is the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, according to the prophecy in Zechariah? [07:36]
4. What did Jesus do upon entering the temple, and how does Mark describe this moment? [23:20]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' choice to ride a donkey into Jerusalem challenge traditional views of kingship and power? [08:24]
2. In what ways does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus' entry into Jerusalem demonstrate the continuity of God's redemptive plan? [10:30]
3. What is the theological significance of Jesus entering the temple, and how does it relate to the concept of God's glory returning to His people? [27:28]
4. How does the advent theme connect Jesus' birth with His entry into Jerusalem, and what does this reveal about His mission? [04:46]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose humility over asserting power. How can Jesus' example of riding a donkey inspire you to lead with humility in your current circumstances? [08:24]
2. Consider a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life encourage you to trust in God's timing and plan? [10:30]
3. In what ways can you invite the presence of God into your daily life, recognizing Jesus as the true temple and dwelling place of God's glory? [27:28]
4. How can you make Jesus the center of your worship and daily life, acknowledging Him as the ultimate sacrifice and fulfillment of God's promises? [24:50]
5. During this Advent season, how can you focus on the entirety of Jesus' mission, from His birth to His entry into Jerusalem, and what practical steps can you take to live out His teachings? [28:38]
6. Think of a situation where you can demonstrate sacrificial love and servanthood this week. What specific action will you take to embody Jesus' example of kingship? [07:36]
7. How can you use the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem to share the message of hope and salvation with someone in your life who may not know Him? [21:17]
Devotional
Day 1: The Paradox of True Kingship
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a profound statement about His kingship, which defies worldly expectations. Unlike earthly rulers who often display power through might and grandeur, Jesus chooses humility and service as His path to greatness. This act fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, emphasizing that true leadership is not about domination but about sacrificial love and servanthood. Jesus' choice challenges us to reconsider our understanding of power and leadership, inviting us to embrace humility as a path to true greatness. [07:36]
Zechariah 9:9 (ESV): "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate humility and servanthood in your daily interactions, especially in situations where you are in a position of influence or authority?
Day 2: The Continuity of God's Plan
The events surrounding Jesus' entry into Jerusalem are deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan. From the patriarchal blessing of Judah to the vision of Ezekiel, these prophecies underscore the faithfulness of God's promises. This continuity encourages believers to trust in God's timing and His unfolding plan in their lives, even when circumstances seem uncertain. The fulfillment of these prophecies in Jesus' life serves as a reminder that God's promises are sure and His plans are perfect. [10:30]
Genesis 49:10 (ESV): "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples."
Reflection: Reflect on a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing as you wait?
Day 3: The Restoration of God's Presence
Jesus' entry into the temple signifies the return of God's glory to His people. In 586 BC, the glory departed from Israel, but now it returns in the person of Jesus, the true temple. This moment is not just a historical event but a theological statement about the restoration of God's presence among His people. Jesus invites us to experience His glory in our lives, reminding us that He is the dwelling place of God's presence. This invitation calls us to seek His presence daily and to recognize His glory in our midst. [27:28]
Ezekiel 43:4-5 (ESV): "As the glory of the Lord entered the temple by the gate facing east, the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to seek and experience the presence of God more intentionally?
Day 4: The Centrality of Worship
Jesus' destination was not just Jerusalem but the temple, the place of sacrifice and worship. This underscores His mission to fulfill the law and the prophets and to be the ultimate sacrifice for sin. It calls believers to recognize Jesus as the center of their worship and the fulfillment of all God's promises. By focusing on Jesus, we are reminded of the importance of worship in our lives and the need to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. [24:50]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: What steps can you take to make Jesus the central focus of your worship and daily life, ensuring that He remains the priority in all that you do?
Day 5: The Fulfillment of the Advent Promise
The entry into Jerusalem is a continuation of the advent theme, where Jesus, born as a King, now enters His city to fulfill His destiny. This reminds us that Christmas is not just about the birth of Jesus but about His entire mission to bring salvation and establish His kingdom. The advent of the King is a call to reflect on the purpose of Jesus' coming and to align our lives with His mission of bringing hope and redemption to the world. [28:38]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in Jesus' mission of bringing hope and redemption to those around you, especially during this season of Advent?
Quotes
“Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, ‘Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it. And if anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” say, “The Lord has need of it,” and immediately he will send it here.’” [00:00:16]
“What He is consciously doing is fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament, where on more than one occasion the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah said that the Messiah would enter the city riding on a donkey. We remember how the other gospel writers give a much more expansive report of what happens on Palm Sunday.” [00:07:26]
“But we think for example of Zechariah 9 where it says, ‘Rejoice Jerusalem, your King comes unto you lowly and riding on a donkey.’ And so that prophecy was well known among the people who were waiting for their coming King. Most kings in the ancient world rode on great steeds, magnificent horses, like Alexander the Great, but not so the King of the Jews.” [00:08:07]
“From that day forward throughout the rest of sacred Scripture, the coming Messiah would be called the Lion of Judah. It goes on. ‘Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; and as a lion, who shall rouse him? The scepter,’ that is the sign of royalty, ‘shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.’” [00:10:02]
“And so now Mark tells us that this is happening, and Jesus instructs His disciples, ‘Go and get that colt that is tied there and untie it and bring it to me. Now in the ancient world, including Israel, they had a concept of eminent domain that was much more limited than we have in our country. But one of the prerogatives of the king was to commandeer a beast of burden whenever he needed it.” [00:11:22]
“Now again this detail, that when they brought the donkey to Jesus, His disciples took their garments and put the garments on the back of the donkey as a saddle as it were for Jesus, and then we are told in the other gospels as well that the people, when Jesus began His procession, took off their outer garments and threw them on the pathway of the donkey.” [00:14:42]
“Now we notice also that when Jesus is involved in this procession, this triumphal entry, it begins at Bethany, and Bethany is where the Mount of Olives is, and the Mount of Olives is something of a misnomer. There at the top of the Mount of Olives is the little village of Bethany, and it looks out across the Kidron Valley, down to the city of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives is three hundred feet higher than Jerusalem.” [00:17:55]
“Back in 586 at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of Jerusalem to Babylon, when Jerusalem fell, God gave a vision to the prophet Ezekiel, and the vision Ezekiel has, what he could see in his mind’s eye, Jerusalem and the temple, and in that vision, beloved, he saw the glory of God rise up from the temple. And the glory of God departed from the east side of the city, and the glory of God went up the three hundred feet and then came down on the Mount of Olives.” [00:18:47]
“And now the One whom the Scriptures define as the brightness of the glory of God comes from Bethany, comes from the Mount of Olives, goes into the Eastern Gate, goes to the Holy City, and goes to the temple. Do you see it? In 586, the glory of God left the temple, and now the glory of God comes back, but no one understood it, that the King was the King of Glory, who here is about to meet the destiny to which He was called and for which He was born.” [00:27:23]
“His destination wasn’t just the city in general. His destination was the temple. He was going to the temple. He was going and looking around at the place where historically the sacrifices were offered. He was going to the temple that replaced the tabernacle, which in its own structure and its use was a living prophecy of the Messiah who was to come.” [00:24:38]
“Do you remember in John’s gospel, he begins, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ And then a little bit later in the prologue, ‘And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,… full of grace and truth.’ Right? But that phrase, ‘He dwelt among us,’ literally in the text says, ‘He tabernacled among us.’ Because you see, Jesus is the tabernacle. He’s the fulfillment of everything the tabernacle pointed to.” [00:25:25]
“Our Father, we thank You for the way in which every footstep of our Messiah was prepared in the ages and centuries before, that nothing was done without a warrant or without purpose. But He fulfilled all things perfectly in His person. Father, not just on Palm Sunday, or on Holy Week, but every time we celebrate the first advent of Jesus, give us remembrance of His coming to Jerusalem as our King. Amen.” [00:28:18]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?