The Gospel of Mark
The Entry into Jerusalem: Mk 11,1-11
Jesus is arriving in Jerusalem from the east, his previous stop was Jericho (10,46). The Mount of Olives is the traditional site where the Messiah was expected (Zech 14,4). This will be the setting for Jesus' teaching on the last times in chapter 13.
The colt has echoes of Jacob's prophecy in Gen 49,11. That it is unridden may be a sign of purity, appropriate for the king. Unlike Matthew and John, Mark does not quote Zech 9,9 and the prophecy there of the king riding a donkey colt.
There are strong echoes of the way Simon Maccabeus entering Jerusalem (1 Mac 13,51). Only the Gospel of John mentions the branches as palms (Jn 12,13). The other quotations refer to Solomon and to the anointing of Jehu.
Mark plays down the entry into Jerusalem compared with Matthew (Mt 21,8) who stresses the presence of a great crowd.
Psalm 118 has special significance in the events now unfolding and it is quoted several times. Here, the one who comes in the name of the Lord is Jesus himself.
The second acclamation is unique to Mark (or significantly changed by Matthew, Mt 21,9). Jesus came to proclaim the kingdom of God (1,15) but he is also Son of David as Bartimaeus has just called him (10,47). In Jesus the great messianic oracles of Isaiah 9 and 11 are fulfilled. In him too is fulfilled the promise of a dynasty to David in 2 Sam 7.
Verse 11 is special to Mark and sets up what follows. Jesus has a good look round the Temple; this is his preparation for what he will do the next day.
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