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Riding On A Donkey – Mark 11
Riding On A Donkey – Mark 11
As we come to the last week in the earthly life of Jesus, Mark records what is commonly called the ‘Triumphant Entry’. Jesus has been to Jerusalem many times, but this time he will be crucified. Mark will show that his claim to be the promised Messianic king lays at the bottom of His rejection (read Mark 15 and notice how many times this kingship issue is mentioned!). Yet, here we see the fulfilled prophecy concerning the Messiah and His being the King.
First, entering Jerusalem on a donkey was indeed used by the kings of Israel in their coronation and recognition before the people. So it was with Solomon in 1 Kings 13. He is in a confrontation with Adonijah about who is the acknowledged and rightful king. David himself instructs them to "Take with you the servants of your lord, and have my son Solomon ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon.” (1Kings 1:33). With Solomon riding into Jerusalem on this mule, he is crowned as the new king over Israel.
Hence, it was prophesied: “9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). d
It is a bit baffling to see how this enthusiastic welcome and acknowledgement would in just a few days culminate in his rejection and crucifixion. BOTH events were prophesied, but then so was his resurrection and glorification!
Which group of people would you be aligned with – those who rejoiced at his entry or those who cried ‘Crucify Him’?
Hugh DeLong
