Mark 11:1-11 (CLICK HERE FOR BIBLE VERSES)
Hi GAMErs,
Today’s passage is Mark 11:1-11. With an open mind and a humble heart, read this passage and see what sticks out to you in this passage. Is there a verse, a phrase, or a lesson you think the Holy Spirit may be highlighting for you in this passage? After you’ve thought about the passage yourself a bit, read the GAME sharing below. Let’s go!
Mark 11:1-6 (NIV)
1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples,
2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.
3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'”
4 They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it,
5 some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?”
6 They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.
On verses 1-6: Jesus could have chosen a much more experienced animal as his vehicle into Jerusalem. Instead, Jesus chose a colt that had never been ridden on. While this is in part a prophetic fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, I believe it teaches us another lesson about Jesus: you don’t need to be old and experienced to be used of God in a great way. You can have no experience at all, like a colt which no one has ever ridden, and God can use you as long as you are willing.
Also, notice this wasn’t some random choice. For whatever reason Jesus wanted this particular colt. Likewise, know that you’re being chosen by God is not some random selection. But God chose you intentionally and particularly, because He knows the plans He has for you.
Mark 11:7-11 (NIV)
7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.
8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields.
9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
On verses 1-11: Apparently when ancient kings entered a city on a war horse, it signaled that the king had come to bring war. When ancient kings entered a city on a colt, it signaled that the king had come in peace. Jesus entered into Jerusalem on a colt to show that Jesus was coming to bring peace to the people of Jerusalem. Even more, Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt fulfilled the prophecy about the Messiah in Zechariah 9:9.
Some in the crowd who shouted Jesus’ praise and said “Hosanna!” (meaning “Save!”, also an expression of praise) would later shout curses on Jesus and cry “Crucify him!”. It goes to show that it’s one thing to welcome Jesus into your city, town, or life, but a disciple of Jesus persists in following Jesus even when the going gets tough.
Thank God for choosing me, not randomly but intentionally. Thank You that You choose to use those who are young and without experience to do significant things in Your kingdom. King Jesus, not just in how I welcome You at first, but in how I continue to treat You every day, may You receive great honour and glory. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
copyright © 2022 Justin Lim. All rights reserved.
