Daily Devotions
Mark
Acts 1:19 "And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of blood." Acts 1:19"
Day 244 – Mark 11
“And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of blood.” Acts 1:19
ARRIVING AT JERUSALEM
If Jesus had begun His journey from Bethany, then He would have ridden on the colt, for more than 4 km. And given the pace of walking a young, inexperienced donkey, the journey would have taken longer than usual. In addition, the streets thronging with people would have made the time taken for the journey even longer.
THE TEMPLE OF JERUSALEM
Every journey must have an end. And all roads in Jerusalem led to the magnificent Temple Herod the Great built for the Jews. Josephus, a great historian of ancient Israel had this to say about the Temple of Jerusalem.
1. Herod began the work of building the temple in the 18th year of his reign.
2. He had a task force of 10,000 highly skilled workmen for this building project.
3. The old foundations were taken away and new ones were laid.
4. The Temple was built of stones that were white and strong.
5. Large cloisters encompassed the temple.
6. Beautiful yet very strong walls were built around the Temple to protect it.
7. The Temple was built on a hill, and it thus stood out magnificently.
8. Herod spared no expenses for the construction of the Temple.
a) But this does not mean that he was a dedicated believer.
b) He built the Temple for the Jews to ingratiate himself with them.
c) He also built temples for others (e.g. the famous temple dedicated to Apollos).
VIEWING THE TEMPLE AT THE END OF THE TRIUMPHAL JOURNEY
It was towards the close of the day when the Triumphal journey finally concluded.
“And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple.
So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour
was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.”
MARK 11:11
Jesus, the Messiah-King had arrived at His city and at His temple! But He chose not to stay in Jerusalem. Instead, He returned to Bethany (about 4 km away).