Mark 11:1-11 - Homilies By E. Johnson

The symbolic triumph.

I. THE ASSUMPTION OF AUTHORITY BY CHRIST . He issues his mandate, as having a pre-emption or right to be served before all others. The act was the more impressive because standing out in rare contrast to the ordinary tenor of Christ's conduct.

II. THE MILD POMP OF HIS ENTRY . He is acknowledged with loyal shouts as King and Lord. Hosanna is "Save now!" The words of acclamation are cited from a "Hallelujah" psalm ( Psalms 118:25 , Psalms 118:26 ), which both celebrates and foretells deliverance. His kingdom prevails by truth, meekness, and love. May "his unsuffering kingdom" come!

III. THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE POSITION ASSIGNED HIM IN PROPHECY . He is the predicted King and Savior, the Representative of God upon earth. Thus in this cheerful, humble scene of instructive, popular gladness, and rejoicing, we have an emblem of the progress of Christianity through the world.—J.