Triumphal Entry

Triumphal Entry
Mark 11:1-10
DeVonya Prather

This week we are collectively praying for courage to do what is right in all situations and circumstances. Courage is the ability to do something that frightens you; or to have strength in the face of pain or grief; and right refers to that which is morally correct, just, or honorable. In our text, Jesus demonstrated courage by showing strength in the face of His forthcoming pain, the crucifixion. His disciples demonstrated courage in doing something that, I am sure, frightened them. However, in both scenarios, it was the RIGHT thing to do!

In Mark 11: 2 - 3, Jesus tells two of His disciples to “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. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it …” “Untie it and bring it… the Lord needs it.” What is "it"? According to the author, "it" refers to the “colt tied there.” For our purposes “it,” alludes to the courage to do what is right. More specifically, the courage to do that which God has called us to do.

First, untie it. In other words, courageously lose your fear and do that which is morally correct, just, or honorable. Secondly, bring it. Meaning, take action by moving in the direction Jesus has called you to move. Lastly, when you are in need of additional motivation or “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it …” Yes! The Lord needs you to courageously lose your fears and follow through on exactly what He has called you to do in your home, place of employment, school and/or community.

In Mark 11: 4 - 7, the two disciples clearly understood the assignment and successfully delivered the right colt to Jesus. As a result, Jesus took His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11: 8 -11). The triumphal entry is that of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, the Sunday before the crucifixion. The people hailed and praised Him as the “King who comes in the name of the Lord” as He rode to the temple, where He taught the people, healed them, and drove out the moneychangers and merchants who had made His Father’s house a “den of robbers” (Mark 11:17).

If Jesus has made a triumphal entry into your heart, He reigns there in peace, courage, and love. As His follower, you exhibit those same qualities, and the world sees the true King living and reigning in triumph in you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father I come to You in Jesus Christ’s Holy Name, I renew and give my total allegiance to You, Lord Jesus Christ, Father God and Holy Spirit, fresh and a new, today and for the rest of my life, to do Your work, to do Your will and obey You at all times. Help me to courageously lose my fears and follow through on exactly what You have called me to do in my home, place of employment, school, and community.  In Jesus Christ’s Holy Name. Amen.