The Presentation Of God's Servant
"Messiah and King"
Book of Mark Chapter 11
Christ Jesus had just passed by the city of Jericho on His way to Jerusalem.
He had given sight to blind Bartimaeus, who is a picture of every lost sinner coming to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
Jesus was drawing nearer to Jerusalem.
It is Jerusalem where He had come to die.
Why had God poured Himself into that babe that grew to become Jesus of Nazareth?
Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
That manger where the baby Jesus was laid was in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means "house of bread".
God came to this earth as a babe to save babes. Jesus was laid in that manger because He is truly the "bread of life".
These words of Jesus are Spiritual!
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Jesus Christ is the Spiritual bread of life but that life is eternal and real!
Let's continue:
*****Mar 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge on the East side of Jerusalem and extends about 200 feet above the City of Jerusalem.
Jesus loved the Mount of Olives!
It is the Mount of Olives from where Jesus ascended and the exact place where Jesus will return!
Bethphage is the place where an unbroken colt was raised to be used by the Lord.
Bethphage was located a "Sabbath's day journey" from Jerusalem or about 3000 feet.
Bethany was 15 furlongs from Jerusalem or 15 times 606 feet which is about 1 and 4/5 miles.
It is Bethany where Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha lived.
It is this Mary that anointed Jesus with oil.
Jesus sent two of the disciples to perform a simple task.
*****Mar 11:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
Mar 11:3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
We should not miss the fact that Jesus always knew what was going on everywhere in His created world at all times.
Jesus knew where this unbroken colt would be when He needed it.
This was an unbroken colt because no man had ever sit upon it.
According to Matthew this was the foal of a donkey:
Mat 21:2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
Why had Jesus chosen this animal?
Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Jesus had to fulfill every prophesy that was written about Him or the Jews would not believe that He was the Messiah.
These things are written in the Word of God for all to know these truths!
*****Mar 11:4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
Mar 11:5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
Mar 11:6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
Mar 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
A place where two ways met and at the entrance of this village would have been a very public place. It would not have been easy for some one to take these animals without being seen.
Why would any king ride a donkey instead of a mighty warhorse?
In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but they rode on a donkey if they came in peace.
The mention of a donkey fits the description of a king who would be “righteous and having salvation, gentle.”
Jesus did not ride to conquer, and Jesus would ride not as king at this time.
He would enter in peace and He would come as Our Savior!
King Jesus will return on a white War Horse some time in the near future and it is at His Second Coming that He will fulfill another verse from Zachariah:
Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Zec 9:10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
It is then that King Jesus will cut off the chariot”: [this will bring an end to all the vehicles of war]
It is then that King Jesus will cut the war-horses”: [no need for war horses used in war because there would be no more war]
It is then that King Jesus will cut off the battle bow": [no need for bows or arrows for fighting, no need for weapons of war]
It is then that King Jesus will proclaim peace to the nations”: His message will be one of reconciliation and there will 1000 years of perfect peace]
It is then that King Jesus's rule shall be from sea to sea”: [King Jesus will control all His creation from His throne in Jerusalem, with no enemies of concern]
This is the prophesy of the Millennial Kingdom and this is why the Jews did could not understand their Messiah at this time.
Jesus sits on this unbroken colt showing that He came for a different reason and even the animals obey Him.
God writes all these things down so we can see them, as these they unfold.
*****Mar 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
Mar 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Mar 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
This is the only instant in the Word of God where we find the Lord Jesus riding upon any animal, at least while He was in the flesh.
Jesus came to bare all our burdens, not to be a burden to any part of His creation!
There were many times the Lord Jesus had urged His disciples to not allow His identity to be made known but this time, we see that on this day, that Jesus was openly proclaiming to be the Messiah.
Jesus had said that "even all the things in the Psalms" that were written must be fulfilled!
Remember the Book of Psalms was the Song Book of the Jews and these Psalms were to be sung when they gathered at the Temple and in the Synagogues, but these people were proudly singing them this day.
Psa 118:25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Psa 118:26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Jesus had come to be the Savior and He would do that!
That word "Hosanna" also meant "oh save"!
There are many who teach that the Lord Jesus Christ did not have a great influence on the people of His day.
They seem to reject this group of people that would have made Him King, if He had wanted to be king this day.
But most of the world still rejects the Lord Jesus Christ!
The rulers of Jerusalem were greatly concerned with Jesus because they could we the truth with their own eyes:
Joh 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? "behold, the world is gone after him".
And Jesus had responded:
Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
But it was not time for the restored kingdom of David.
And to the Romans, a simple man "riding a baby donkey" posed no serious threat to them.
Luke also adds a few things that we should see:
Luk 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
It is the Church that should pay close attention here!
We must praise Our Lord continuously and why would we not want to?
We have been saved from the pits of Hell!
We have a home being prepared for us in Heaven!
We should say how can we not praise Our Lord?
But, let it be known to all, the Lord will have His praise!
Psa 98:2 The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
Psa 98:3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Psa 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
We can be sure that all God's creation will one day praise Him!
Praise is not a ceremonial service.
Praise is not a duty.
Praise is not to be offered in sadness.
Praise is that saved soul crying out in delight!
But Jesus was also sad as he approached Jerusalem:
Luk 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luk 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Luk 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
It is the sin of this world that brought forth those tears from Our Savior!
God had chosen Israel to tell the world about Him and they would not.
True Christianity is walking with God, not just some occasional coming to Him!
We are to make it our business to know the will of God!
What is the will of God?
Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, [according to the will of God] and our Father:
It is the will of God that we all be delivered from this present evil world!
It is this evil world that brings death and spiritual death!
It is Jesus that brings life, and eternal life.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus wept because Israel had not brought forth this message!
Jesus wept because Jerusalem would soon be destroyed. [Titus destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD]
But Jerusalem will also once again be surrounded by her enemies after the Church has been called home.
On this day Jesus Christ was revealed as king, BUT "not of this world"!
On this day of Jesus, while His people called Him to the throne, He went to the Cross!
But there was still a very few days before this would take place.
*****Mar 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Mar 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
Mar 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
Mar 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Israel is oftened symbolized in Scripture as a fig tree:
Hos 9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
Jesus also gave us a parable of this time of Israel:
Luk 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Luk 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
Luk 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luk 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Israel had been placed in the vineyard of God, and not on some neglected wasted ground!
God, Himself had planted this fig tree!
This fig tree was to take root and grow, and not only produce leaves but more important to produce fruit!
God had said any wild tree can take root and produce leaves, but God will never be satisfied until all His trees produces fruit.
God had come seeking fruit of Israel but there was none.
Israel had been blessed with the knowledge of the Living God!
So, God expects fruit according the privileges He has bestowed!
And, God does not ever forget about the trees He has planted!
God will always displeased with an unfruitful tree!
Jesus Christ had spent 3 years teaching, even using signs and wonders, and great miracles of creation and healing all disease, yet Israel would not produce fruit.
This fig tree then proves to us that prophesy was fulfilled because Israel had no figs!
Even today God still expects all His children to bare fruit!
Even every Christian is held accountable for his own fruit.
Being a Christian is not about putting on a show!
We cannot just grow to be some beautiful tree full of leaves and yet have no fruit!
Unfruitfulness is always a sin and it is sin that carries God's curse just as Jesus cursed this tree!
Unfruitfulness means uselessness to God!
Jesus said of this fig tree "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever".
On this day Jesus wept over Jerusalem. As Christians we need to make every effort to make sure that Jesus does not one day weep over us as individuals!
The Jews, in the time of Christ, professed a proud religion, but that profession could not then and cannot now produce fruit acceptable to God!
So Jesus goes to the Temple, He still had work to do before the cross.
*****Mar 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
Mar 11:16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
In this day of Jesus, the Court of the Gentiles had been converted into a market but the entire Temple complex was supposed to be sacred.
The Jews had no use for Gentiles and no respect for the "Court of the Gentiles".
Jesus quotes again from the Book of Isaiah:
Isa 56:7 "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer": their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer "for all people".
The entire Temple compound was considered holy, but it became increasingly more holy as one entered farther in, from east to west until finally the Holy of Holies was reached.
King Herod had enclosed the outer court with a colonnade and it was referred to as the Court of the Gentiles.
Because the "gentiles" (non-Jews) were not permitted to enter the Temple area, they could walk within those colonnade but they were forbidden to go any further than that outer court.
This area, "the court of the Gentiles" was actually a place for Gentiles who had converted to Judaism, to come to worship the Living God of Israel.
They were excluded from entering into any of the inner courts, and warning signs in Greek and Latin were placed that gave them warning that the penalty for such trespass was death.
The Romans permitted the Jewish authorities to carry out the death penalty for only this one offence, even if the offender were a Roman citizen.
It was for this alleged crime that Paul was attacked and nearly beaten to death by an angry crowd during his last visit to Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-32).
But, this is also the same area mentioned in the Book of Revelation:
Rev 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
This is the area where Jesus overthrew tables and chairs and cast out those that bought and sold.
The Temple complex was not to be a market or a mall, it was to be a house of worship!
And, Jesus would not allow anyone to go further into the Temple complex while taking a vessel with them.
The Temple complex was not to be some tourists attraction, but a house of prayer to all people!
Even in the human world there is still such thing as right and wrong!
God's house is still Holy Ground!
This was still a Temple for God's people to worship!
This was still an area or a court outside the Temple where the rights of God's people were being trampled upon!
And it is a fact, we simply cannot allow the World inside the Church or it will become a mall or just some attraction!
The measuring stick for the World is still the "Moral Laws of God", the Ten Commandments!
That first measurement is still these words: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me"!
God's House is still to be a house of prayer for all nations!
It is thieves that rob God and thieves are still thieves even when they deal with their own kind!
By the way, The Lord Jesus Christ, even in His flesh, was not some wimp!
He manhandled this group of thieves and none tried to over come Him!
As Christians, we cannot be wimps!
****Mar 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
The triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem had shown the power He had over these poor and abused people.
Even many more were astonished at the things He had done at the Temple.
And many more looked upon the Lord Jesus as the Messiah which He truly was!
But there were those that looked upon Jesus as a hero, who could stand against the Pharisee and Sadducee's.
It is all these things that brought fear to this false and abused religious system!
So, these enemies along with the scribes and elders of Israel counseled together to kill Jesus.
Jesus was not concerned with their counsel because He had come to die at their hands and they had not realized this.
*****Mar 11:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
Mar 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
Mar 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Mar 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mar 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mar 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
True "Faith" begins when we take God at His Word!
When God speaks of things that are unknown to us, we must still believe God!
When God says things that we believe are unlikely to happen, we must still obey God!
But, God will test our "Faith" from time to time. Faith that is untested may not be real.
When Jesus invites us to trust on Him, we must accept Him as He is, which is the truth!
How can we obtain this faith?
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
God will give us enough "faith" to begin our walk with Jesus as a free gift!
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Our "faith" will increase by studying and listening to the Word of God!
1Jn 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Our "Faith" must then come from our own heart!
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
And it is this sort of "faith" that can move mountains!
How can we know our prayers will be answered?
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, "believe that ye receive them", and ye shall have them".
What can stop our prayers from being answered?
"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses".
And Jesus returned again to the Temple.
*****Mar 11:27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
Mar 11:28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
Mar 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mar 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
Mar 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
Mar 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
Mar 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Jesus Christ brought a power into the world that the world had never seen!
His power was revealed in His Words and also in His Works!
Only the Church has this power today, but still "only through the Words and Works of Jesus"!
The world misses the most important point that our Bible makes!
If God had not revealed Himself, there would not even be a discussion about the truth today!
The fact that God revealed Himself makes theology possible!
God has not only revealed Himself through His creation and has given us His record of creation in the Book of Genesis, but God has also revealed Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ!
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Rom 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
This why we as Christians must be "unyielding" to the world we live in, with our celebration of Christmas along with all things about Jesus Christ!
God has told us so many things about Himself that we could never have known!
The Bibles says:
Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Psa 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Psa 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Verse 2 says God reveals Himself continually day to day, night to night this is 24/7.
And it is because of sin that God had to reveal Himself in this special way!
God had to reveal the only means of salvation to this sinful world.
Jesus Christ is displayed throughout the scriptures from Genesis through Revelation!
Jesus Christ is the only One who can explain the work of God:
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Jesus gave us His words to reveal the Father!
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Jesus gave us His works to reveal the Father!
Joh 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Jesus Christ is the radiance of God's Glory!
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Without God revealing Himself in His Word, we would never have known much about Him!
Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Jas 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Jas 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We will all be judged by the Word of God because of this!
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
This is the "authority" that Jesus had revealed to the world in His 33 years on this earth!
These chief priests, these scribes, and these elders had witnessed many these things personally and they already had the Words God had given to them by Moses and all the prophets.
The works of Jesus had preceded Him everywhere He went!
The entire world was talking about Jesus Christ!
But, God does not need our permission to do the things He does, He just ask us to "Trust" Him and "Believe"!
To claim ignorance from the Word of God, and ignore the truth, will only open the doors of Hell!
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
The Bible still says:
Job 5:13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
This is the choice we must all make before we die!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
"Messiah and King"
Book of Mark Chapter 11
Christ Jesus had just passed by the city of Jericho on His way to Jerusalem.
He had given sight to blind Bartimaeus, who is a picture of every lost sinner coming to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.
Jesus was drawing nearer to Jerusalem.
It is Jerusalem where He had come to die.
Why had God poured Himself into that babe that grew to become Jesus of Nazareth?
Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
That manger where the baby Jesus was laid was in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means "house of bread".
God came to this earth as a babe to save babes. Jesus was laid in that manger because He is truly the "bread of life".
These words of Jesus are Spiritual!
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Jesus Christ is the Spiritual bread of life but that life is eternal and real!
Let's continue:
*****Mar 11:1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge on the East side of Jerusalem and extends about 200 feet above the City of Jerusalem.
Jesus loved the Mount of Olives!
It is the Mount of Olives from where Jesus ascended and the exact place where Jesus will return!
Bethphage is the place where an unbroken colt was raised to be used by the Lord.
Bethphage was located a "Sabbath's day journey" from Jerusalem or about 3000 feet.
Bethany was 15 furlongs from Jerusalem or 15 times 606 feet which is about 1 and 4/5 miles.
It is Bethany where Lazarus and his two sisters, Mary and Martha lived.
It is this Mary that anointed Jesus with oil.
Jesus sent two of the disciples to perform a simple task.
*****Mar 11:2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.
Mar 11:3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.
We should not miss the fact that Jesus always knew what was going on everywhere in His created world at all times.
Jesus knew where this unbroken colt would be when He needed it.
This was an unbroken colt because no man had ever sit upon it.
According to Matthew this was the foal of a donkey:
Mat 21:2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.
Why had Jesus chosen this animal?
Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Jesus had to fulfill every prophesy that was written about Him or the Jews would not believe that He was the Messiah.
These things are written in the Word of God for all to know these truths!
*****Mar 11:4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.
Mar 11:5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?
Mar 11:6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.
Mar 11:7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
A place where two ways met and at the entrance of this village would have been a very public place. It would not have been easy for some one to take these animals without being seen.
Why would any king ride a donkey instead of a mighty warhorse?
In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but they rode on a donkey if they came in peace.
The mention of a donkey fits the description of a king who would be “righteous and having salvation, gentle.”
Jesus did not ride to conquer, and Jesus would ride not as king at this time.
He would enter in peace and He would come as Our Savior!
King Jesus will return on a white War Horse some time in the near future and it is at His Second Coming that He will fulfill another verse from Zachariah:
Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
Zec 9:10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
It is then that King Jesus will cut off the chariot”: [this will bring an end to all the vehicles of war]
It is then that King Jesus will cut the war-horses”: [no need for war horses used in war because there would be no more war]
It is then that King Jesus will cut off the battle bow": [no need for bows or arrows for fighting, no need for weapons of war]
It is then that King Jesus will proclaim peace to the nations”: His message will be one of reconciliation and there will 1000 years of perfect peace]
It is then that King Jesus's rule shall be from sea to sea”: [King Jesus will control all His creation from His throne in Jerusalem, with no enemies of concern]
This is the prophesy of the Millennial Kingdom and this is why the Jews did could not understand their Messiah at this time.
Jesus sits on this unbroken colt showing that He came for a different reason and even the animals obey Him.
God writes all these things down so we can see them, as these they unfold.
*****Mar 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
Mar 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Mar 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
This is the only instant in the Word of God where we find the Lord Jesus riding upon any animal, at least while He was in the flesh.
Jesus came to bare all our burdens, not to be a burden to any part of His creation!
There were many times the Lord Jesus had urged His disciples to not allow His identity to be made known but this time, we see that on this day, that Jesus was openly proclaiming to be the Messiah.
Jesus had said that "even all the things in the Psalms" that were written must be fulfilled!
Remember the Book of Psalms was the Song Book of the Jews and these Psalms were to be sung when they gathered at the Temple and in the Synagogues, but these people were proudly singing them this day.
Psa 118:25 Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
Psa 118:26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
Jesus had come to be the Savior and He would do that!
That word "Hosanna" also meant "oh save"!
There are many who teach that the Lord Jesus Christ did not have a great influence on the people of His day.
They seem to reject this group of people that would have made Him King, if He had wanted to be king this day.
But most of the world still rejects the Lord Jesus Christ!
The rulers of Jerusalem were greatly concerned with Jesus because they could we the truth with their own eyes:
Joh 12:19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? "behold, the world is gone after him".
And Jesus had responded:
Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
But it was not time for the restored kingdom of David.
And to the Romans, a simple man "riding a baby donkey" posed no serious threat to them.
Luke also adds a few things that we should see:
Luk 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
It is the Church that should pay close attention here!
We must praise Our Lord continuously and why would we not want to?
We have been saved from the pits of Hell!
We have a home being prepared for us in Heaven!
We should say how can we not praise Our Lord?
But, let it be known to all, the Lord will have His praise!
Psa 98:2 The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
Psa 98:3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Psa 98:4 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
We can be sure that all God's creation will one day praise Him!
Praise is not a ceremonial service.
Praise is not a duty.
Praise is not to be offered in sadness.
Praise is that saved soul crying out in delight!
But Jesus was also sad as he approached Jerusalem:
Luk 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luk 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Luk 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
It is the sin of this world that brought forth those tears from Our Savior!
God had chosen Israel to tell the world about Him and they would not.
True Christianity is walking with God, not just some occasional coming to Him!
We are to make it our business to know the will of God!
What is the will of God?
Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, [according to the will of God] and our Father:
It is the will of God that we all be delivered from this present evil world!
It is this evil world that brings death and spiritual death!
It is Jesus that brings life, and eternal life.
Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Heb 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus wept because Israel had not brought forth this message!
Jesus wept because Jerusalem would soon be destroyed. [Titus destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD]
But Jerusalem will also once again be surrounded by her enemies after the Church has been called home.
On this day Jesus Christ was revealed as king, BUT "not of this world"!
On this day of Jesus, while His people called Him to the throne, He went to the Cross!
But there was still a very few days before this would take place.
*****Mar 11:11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.
Mar 11:12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:
Mar 11:13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
Mar 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Israel is oftened symbolized in Scripture as a fig tree:
Hos 9:10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
Jesus also gave us a parable of this time of Israel:
Luk 13:6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
Luk 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
Luk 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
Luk 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Israel had been placed in the vineyard of God, and not on some neglected wasted ground!
God, Himself had planted this fig tree!
This fig tree was to take root and grow, and not only produce leaves but more important to produce fruit!
God had said any wild tree can take root and produce leaves, but God will never be satisfied until all His trees produces fruit.
God had come seeking fruit of Israel but there was none.
Israel had been blessed with the knowledge of the Living God!
So, God expects fruit according the privileges He has bestowed!
And, God does not ever forget about the trees He has planted!
God will always displeased with an unfruitful tree!
Jesus Christ had spent 3 years teaching, even using signs and wonders, and great miracles of creation and healing all disease, yet Israel would not produce fruit.
This fig tree then proves to us that prophesy was fulfilled because Israel had no figs!
Even today God still expects all His children to bare fruit!
Even every Christian is held accountable for his own fruit.
Being a Christian is not about putting on a show!
We cannot just grow to be some beautiful tree full of leaves and yet have no fruit!
Unfruitfulness is always a sin and it is sin that carries God's curse just as Jesus cursed this tree!
Unfruitfulness means uselessness to God!
Jesus said of this fig tree "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever".
On this day Jesus wept over Jerusalem. As Christians we need to make every effort to make sure that Jesus does not one day weep over us as individuals!
The Jews, in the time of Christ, professed a proud religion, but that profession could not then and cannot now produce fruit acceptable to God!
So Jesus goes to the Temple, He still had work to do before the cross.
*****Mar 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
Mar 11:16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
Mar 11:17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.
In this day of Jesus, the Court of the Gentiles had been converted into a market but the entire Temple complex was supposed to be sacred.
The Jews had no use for Gentiles and no respect for the "Court of the Gentiles".
Jesus quotes again from the Book of Isaiah:
Isa 56:7 "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer": their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer "for all people".
The entire Temple compound was considered holy, but it became increasingly more holy as one entered farther in, from east to west until finally the Holy of Holies was reached.
King Herod had enclosed the outer court with a colonnade and it was referred to as the Court of the Gentiles.
Because the "gentiles" (non-Jews) were not permitted to enter the Temple area, they could walk within those colonnade but they were forbidden to go any further than that outer court.
This area, "the court of the Gentiles" was actually a place for Gentiles who had converted to Judaism, to come to worship the Living God of Israel.
They were excluded from entering into any of the inner courts, and warning signs in Greek and Latin were placed that gave them warning that the penalty for such trespass was death.
The Romans permitted the Jewish authorities to carry out the death penalty for only this one offence, even if the offender were a Roman citizen.
It was for this alleged crime that Paul was attacked and nearly beaten to death by an angry crowd during his last visit to Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-32).
But, this is also the same area mentioned in the Book of Revelation:
Rev 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
This is the area where Jesus overthrew tables and chairs and cast out those that bought and sold.
The Temple complex was not to be a market or a mall, it was to be a house of worship!
And, Jesus would not allow anyone to go further into the Temple complex while taking a vessel with them.
The Temple complex was not to be some tourists attraction, but a house of prayer to all people!
Even in the human world there is still such thing as right and wrong!
God's house is still Holy Ground!
This was still a Temple for God's people to worship!
This was still an area or a court outside the Temple where the rights of God's people were being trampled upon!
And it is a fact, we simply cannot allow the World inside the Church or it will become a mall or just some attraction!
The measuring stick for the World is still the "Moral Laws of God", the Ten Commandments!
That first measurement is still these words: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me"!
God's House is still to be a house of prayer for all nations!
It is thieves that rob God and thieves are still thieves even when they deal with their own kind!
By the way, The Lord Jesus Christ, even in His flesh, was not some wimp!
He manhandled this group of thieves and none tried to over come Him!
As Christians, we cannot be wimps!
****Mar 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
The triumphal entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem had shown the power He had over these poor and abused people.
Even many more were astonished at the things He had done at the Temple.
And many more looked upon the Lord Jesus as the Messiah which He truly was!
But there were those that looked upon Jesus as a hero, who could stand against the Pharisee and Sadducee's.
It is all these things that brought fear to this false and abused religious system!
So, these enemies along with the scribes and elders of Israel counseled together to kill Jesus.
Jesus was not concerned with their counsel because He had come to die at their hands and they had not realized this.
*****Mar 11:19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.
Mar 11:20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
Mar 11:21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
Mar 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Mar 11:23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mar 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Mar 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mar 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
True "Faith" begins when we take God at His Word!
When God speaks of things that are unknown to us, we must still believe God!
When God says things that we believe are unlikely to happen, we must still obey God!
But, God will test our "Faith" from time to time. Faith that is untested may not be real.
When Jesus invites us to trust on Him, we must accept Him as He is, which is the truth!
How can we obtain this faith?
Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
God will give us enough "faith" to begin our walk with Jesus as a free gift!
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Our "faith" will increase by studying and listening to the Word of God!
1Jn 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
Our "Faith" must then come from our own heart!
Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
And it is this sort of "faith" that can move mountains!
How can we know our prayers will be answered?
"What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, "believe that ye receive them", and ye shall have them".
What can stop our prayers from being answered?
"But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses".
And Jesus returned again to the Temple.
*****Mar 11:27 And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,
Mar 11:28 And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?
Mar 11:29 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mar 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
Mar 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
Mar 11:32 But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.
Mar 11:33 And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.
Jesus Christ brought a power into the world that the world had never seen!
His power was revealed in His Words and also in His Works!
Only the Church has this power today, but still "only through the Words and Works of Jesus"!
The world misses the most important point that our Bible makes!
If God had not revealed Himself, there would not even be a discussion about the truth today!
The fact that God revealed Himself makes theology possible!
God has not only revealed Himself through His creation and has given us His record of creation in the Book of Genesis, but God has also revealed Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ!
Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Rom 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Luk 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Luk 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
This why we as Christians must be "unyielding" to the world we live in, with our celebration of Christmas along with all things about Jesus Christ!
God has told us so many things about Himself that we could never have known!
The Bibles says:
Psa 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Psa 19:2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
Psa 19:3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Psa 19:4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Psa 19:5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
Psa 19:6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
Verse 2 says God reveals Himself continually day to day, night to night this is 24/7.
And it is because of sin that God had to reveal Himself in this special way!
God had to reveal the only means of salvation to this sinful world.
Jesus Christ is displayed throughout the scriptures from Genesis through Revelation!
Jesus Christ is the only One who can explain the work of God:
Joh 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Jesus gave us His words to reveal the Father!
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Jesus gave us His works to reveal the Father!
Joh 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
Jesus Christ is the radiance of God's Glory!
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Without God revealing Himself in His Word, we would never have known much about Him!
Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Jas 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Jas 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Jas 4:5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We will all be judged by the Word of God because of this!
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
This is the "authority" that Jesus had revealed to the world in His 33 years on this earth!
These chief priests, these scribes, and these elders had witnessed many these things personally and they already had the Words God had given to them by Moses and all the prophets.
The works of Jesus had preceded Him everywhere He went!
The entire world was talking about Jesus Christ!
But, God does not need our permission to do the things He does, He just ask us to "Trust" Him and "Believe"!
To claim ignorance from the Word of God, and ignore the truth, will only open the doors of Hell!
Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
The Bible still says:
Job 5:13 He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.
This is the choice we must all make before we die!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
