Read Mark 11:1-33

Every time I read about the account of Palm Sunday, I am drawn to the imagery. Growing up in the church, I just knew about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey for as long as I can remember. However, the account becomes so much more personal the more you understand the imagery behind it.

As you have likely seen by now throughout your reading of the gospels, Jesus was the master of object illustrations. He related biblical truth to real life in ways that are simply remarkable. Keep in mind, by this point in Jesus’ ministry, many have heard about Him. Many have heard about the so-called Messiah that had arrived and was destined to take away the sin of the world.

Many believed Him while many did not.

In Mark 11, Jesus travels into Jerusalem to begin His final week of earthly ministry. As you have read, and have likely heard many times before, Jesus calls to be taken into the city on the back of a donkey.

Why is this so important?

Well, a donkey was a symbol of humility. Now, why would Jesus, the Savior of mankind, God in human flesh, go into His last week of earthly ministry humbly on the back of a donkey? This is simply a picture of the humble nature of Jesus. He wasn’t flashy. He was born, not in an inn or hospital of the day, but in a manger among animals. He wasn’t telling everyone to bow down to Him but, instead, was pointing to His Father. He didn’t come into Jerusalem on a white horse (which symbolizes war) as He could have. He was battling religious leaders of the day who were all into disproving Jesus as Messiah.

Instead, He chose a donkey.

Let’s fast forward to Revelation 19 when Jesus comes back to earth to wage war against Satan, to defeat Him once and for all and to establish His eternal kingdom. What is He riding?

A white horse.

What’s also amazing about Mark 11 is thinking that the very people who were laying down their coats before Jesus and praising Him were likely the same people who were crying for His crucifixion just a few days later.

As you seek to apply this chapter to your faith, allow me to pose a couple of questions.

Do you reflect the humility of Jesus? Do you do things for the credit that will be brought to you or do you, instead, point to your Heavenly Father?

People are always going to let you down. The people who praise you are the same ones that could very well stab you in the back.

Do you continue to live a life honoring to the Lord? Are you quick to forgive others?

Jake Lawson