Lent

March 27, 2021

Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.”‘ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna!
   Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
   Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he hpalad looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

The vivid details of this scripture are surprising. I wonder why straightforward Mark took the time to be so precise. Was Mark one of the participants in these acts? Perhaps he was the one untying the colt. Whatever the reason, Mark wanted us to know this was a well-planned event. Leaf branches were ready for use, and word had passed among Jesus’ followers; he would arrive soon. My church reenacts this Triumphal Entrance each Palm Sunday, where adults are handed a palm leaf as they enter, and the children parade down the center aisle waving their palms during the first hymn.

Jesus was very intentional about what he said and did. He came for a purpose and lived that purpose at every dinner, gathering, healing, and parable shared. His spontaneity was even intentional. When it came time for dinner, after he spoke to the crowd, the disciples raised the issue of feeding so many. Jesus replied You feed them. (Mark 6:37) We are called to follow Jesus’ example of being intentional about our role in continuing his work to usher in the Kingdom of God in our world.

Prayer: Lord, as we move closer to the Cross, empower us to be intentional about our work in your service.  Amen.