GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MARK
The Entry into Jerusalem: Mk 11,1-11
The first three verses make all the arrangements for Jesus. How is Jesus approaching Jerusalem and what is the significance of his place of arrival (Zech 14,4)? See 13,3.
For his instructions to the two disciples, note that something similar will happen again in 14,13-14.
The colt may be a donkey, see Gen 49,9-11. That it has not been ridden may be a sign of purity (see for example Num 19,2). What is added at this point by Matthew (Mt 21,5) and John (Jn 12,15)?
To whom does "Lord" refer in verse 3?
Verses 4 to 7 then describe events unfolding as Jesus described. What does this tell us about Jesus?
Jesus' approach to the city recalls a number of OT passages: 1 Kings 1,32-48; 2 Kings 9,1-13; 1 Macc 13,50-51.
In verse 8 we are told of "many people". Compare with Mt 21,8 & 9.
For verse 9, see Psalm 118,26.
Compare verse 10 with Mt 21,9. See also 1,15. The background here may be 2 Sam 7,14-16 and Is 9,7-11 & 11,1-9.
Verse 11 can be compared with Mt 21,10-11. Note what Jesus does in the Temple and how that prepares for what follows.
Then take a look at my response.
We can now move on to the Fig Tree and the Temple.