Sermon Talkback—April 5, 2009
Mark 11:1-11—Untying Donkeys
Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday
Today, churches had the challenge to celebrate the impressive joy (Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem) mixed with the impressive foreboding and gloom (Holy Week). Jesus’ identity as the Messiah has been secretly proclaimed as well as announced in the open with the announcement of the nature of the kingdom. It is clear that the disciples still do not understand Jesus’ ministry as late as 10:35-40, as the sons of Zebedee ask about positions of power in the future.
This passage, Mark 11:1-11 is a fulcrum upon which the gospel of Mark pivots. Highlighting Jesus’ identity and relationship to the coming kingdom of God and “our ancestor David” (11:10), Mark points back to the beginning of the gospel, where Jesus is heralded as God’s Son, the “Lord” (1:11; 1:13), and forward, to Jesus’ death, where Jesus’ sonship is again announced (15:39) and the reality of his lordship takes the shape of a Roman cross. In this sense, the story contains both flashbacks and foreshadowing of what to come.
Finding the Colt
Mark narrates Jesus asking two of his disciples to find a specific colt in the village, because “the Lord needs it (11:3). The title of “Lord” is ambiguous, as it is used in the gospel to refer to either Jesus or God. The ambiguity may be intentional, of course, as Mark portrays Jesus as one who does the will of God (3:35; 14:36). Jesus needs the colt to enter Jerusalem, and from Mark’s perspective, God “needs” the colt to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah (9:9).
Part of the significance of this passage, especially at this fulcrum in the gospel narrative between Jesus’ ministry and his passion, lies in proving the truthfulness of Jesus’ words. If the disciples cannot trust the truth of his teaching, then his ministry and their discipleship will be ineffective. When Jesus tells two disciples to find a specific colt, they discover it exactly as he told them. If Jesus’ words come true in small ways, so they will also come true in larger ways (14:28 and 16:7). Jesus can be trusted in the long term (i.e., concerning the signs of the last days) because his words have proven true in the short term.
What is more important than the truth of Jesus’ words is the parallels between Zechariah’s prophecy and Jesus’ words and actions. While Mark doesn’t explicitly quote Zechariah 9:9, he shows the fulfillment of this promise of God through his narrative. Jerusalem does shout at the reception of Jesus, who enters triumphantly, being heralded as king. At the same time, Jesus enters humbly on a colt. This paradox fits into Mark’s context, as Jesus has told his followers that “whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant” (10:43).
Question to Ponder: In what ways have you participated in humble acts of discipleship such as untying donkeys for the Lord and for each other?