Mark 11:7-9

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem (11:7-9).

Jesus now portrayed Himself in terms of Zechariah 9:9, although Mark does not mention this latter. But in view of his descriptions, which reproduce the signs of the proclamation of a king of Israel, he certainly wants us to see it in terms of the king entering to take possession of what was His. It was, however, a view tempered by his later understanding. There is no suggestion that he sees Jesus’ ‘offer’ as rejected by the people. The people welcome Him. His emphasis will be on His rejection by the Jewish leadership.

Analysis.

a And they bring the colt to Jesus, and throw their clothes over it, and He sat on him (Mark 11:7).

b And many spread their cloaks on the roadway, and others foliage (layers of leaves) which they had cut from the fields (Mark 11:8).

b And those who went in front, and those who followed, cried, “Hosanna (‘save now’)! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9).

a “Blessed is the kingly rule that comes, of our father David. Hosanna in the highest” (Mark 11:10).

Note in ‘a’ their action in putting their cloaks on the asses colt for Him to sit on, symbolic of the coming of the kingly rule of David in the parallel, while in ‘b’ they spread their cloaks in the way and lay the leaves of trees in the way, symbolic of the acceptance of One Who represents a king coming in the Name of the Lord (YHWH).