Sunday 05 April 2009

Background

The geographical details in Mark's account of Jesus enteringJerusalem (11:1) can be quite confusing. Bethany lies on thesouth-east side of the slopes of the Mount of Olives, about twomiles from the city. The road from Jericho did not pass directlythrough the village but slightly to the north. We are reminded inJohn's Gospel that Lazarus and his sisters lived in Bethany (John 11:1), and itis evident from Mark that Jesus and his followers made it theirheadquarters, at least whilst he was in Jerusalem - from Jerichoyou would need to come first to Bethany and then to Bethsage. (Markmay have used both villages in his writing because he did notreally know the relative position of the two.)

The Gospel writer Mark expects us to understand Jesus' entry intoJerusalem as the fulfilment of the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9- "Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he,humble and riding on a donkey." When Jesus rode into Jerusalem heclaimed to be king, but a different kind than everyone expected orwanted him to be. He claimed to be the king of peace, rather thanthe long-awaited kingly warrior who would deliver his people fromthe Romans.

Jesus' actions were a contradiction of what the people hoped andexpected. The whole picture is of a populace whomisunderstood.

This 'triumphant' procession into Jerusalem shows the courage ofJesus in an unmistakeable way. It would have been easy to sneakinto the city secretly to avoid the authorities who were out todestroy him. But instead, he entered in a way that all could see.Here, Jesus makes the last appeal of love, and makes it with aheroic courage.

To Ponder

We live in a world full of uncertainties, butthis account of Jesus entering Jerusalem can give us hope, evenwith the difficulties we face each day of our lives. How could thispassage help you today?

Jesus showed great courage during his ministryand he would gain his strength through prayer. How and where do youfind your strength when things get tough?