Seeing Jesus in the Gospel of MarkSample

A DIFFERENT KIND OF KING

Look Closely:

- Before going to Jerusalem, Jesus gave two of His disciples some instructions. What is most interesting about His request and how the situation unfolded through verse 6? What does their obedience indicate about their relationship with Jesus?

- How was Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem different from His typical arrivals in places as He traveled?

- How did the people respond to seeing Jesus riding on the colt?

Bible Dictionary Spotlight: Donkey Colt

Up to this point in His ministry, Jesus had avoided drawing unnecessary attention to Himself, often telling those He healed to keep quiet and Himself withdrawing from the crowds. But with this specific act, He declared Himself to be the Messiah. Every Jew would have been familiar with Zechariah’s prophecy,

“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, a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

The choice of a donkey communicated the type of king that Jesus came to be. Middle Eastern leaders were known to ride horses as they declared war, but donkeys when they came in peace. As an ordinary domestic animal most frequently used for riding, Jesus demonstrated humility by aligning himself with ordinary people. And using a previously un-ridden donkey reflected the type of animal preferred in a ceremony dedicated to God.