Daily Devotions
Mark
Acts 1:16b "Which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus." Acts 1:16b"
Day 241 – Mark 11
“Which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.” Acts 1:16b
THE TRIUMPHAL RIDE INTO JERUSALEM
A powerful festive mood had gripped the city of Jerusalem. It began with the Disciples of Christ. With all their heart, they believed that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah-King. They formed His humble entourage, and became His escort as He rode into Jerusalem.
Soon others caught on. Could this be the long-awaited for Messiah? He certainly had done enough to prove that He was no ordinary person! His miracles, His powerful messages, His courage to stand up against the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees- surely these things meant something. Before too long, the crowds swelled and one spontaneous act led to another.
“And many spread their clothes on the road,
and others cut down leafy branches from the trees
and spread them on the road.”
MARK 11:8
These acts were the expressions of the humble poor. They could not afford costly gifts to present to Jesus. Still they wanted to express their joy in seeing Jesus. Surely He, being compassionate and wise, would be able to appreciate the meaning and significance of their spreading their clothes on the road for Him. They would prostrate themselves on the ground and let Jesus walk on them, if He would like that. But they knew that He would never do that, and so their clothes would represent their hearts of adoration.
Not everyone had nice clothes to place on the ground. What could the very, very poor do to express their love and regard for Jesus? Would He understand their poverty? They did not want to feel left out of this special welcome that erupted spontaneously. What if they were to cut down some leafy plants, and let them represent their high regard for Him? Surely He would understand. But of course the Messiah-King must be greeted with great joy and excitement!
MORE TO COME
Songs of praise sprang up before too long. Perhaps one person started singing of their hymns, but not for long. Others began to join in.
“Then those who went before and those who followed
Cried out, saying:
‘Hosanna!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is the kingdom of our father David
That comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”
MARK 11:9-10
There was now a procession. There were people who went ahead of Jesus, and there were people who brought up the rear. Jesus was right in the centre, riding quietly into Jerusalem. The city had not expected this turn of events! But the prophecy from Zechariah was being fulfilled right before the eyes of all who participated in this event.