Gospel of Mark Bible Part 63: Triumphal Entry [Bible Study]

Rev. Bruce A. Shields
4 minutes ago
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Bible Studies based on sermons from The House of Faith Church by Rev. Bruce A. Shields

INTRODUCTION: THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

As we enter Mark chapter 11, the focus of the Gospel shifts to the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. From this point through His resurrection, we are looking at events that unfold over approximately eight days.

This opening scene is often called Palm Sunday. Jesus enters Jerusalem publicly, welcomed by crowds who lay garments and branches before Him as He rides on a colt.

At the time, even His disciples did not fully understand what was happening.

John 12:16 "These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about Him..."

This reminds us that understanding often comes later as we grow in the Word.

Opening Question:

Can you think of a time when you only understood what God was doing after the fact?

SCRIPTURE READING

Mark 11:1–11 "And as they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, and said to them, 'Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. And if anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” you say, “The Lord has need of it”; and immediately he will send it back here.'And they went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. And some of the bystanders were saying to them, 'What are you doing, untying the colt?' And they spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. And they brought the colt to Jesus and put their garments on it; and He sat on it. And many spread their garments in the road, and others spread leafy branches, having cut them from the fields. And those who went in front and those who followed were shouting:'Hosanna!Blessed is He who comes in the name of Yahweh;Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David;Hosanna in the highest!'And Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late."

SECTION 1: PREPARATION AND GOD’S WORKING

Jesus gives very specific instructions about the colt. Everything unfolds exactly as He said.

This was not random. It was in harmony with what had already been written.

Heaven & Hell: In the Old and New Testament by Rev. Bruce A. Shields of The House of Faith Church

Zechariah 9:9 "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Make a loud shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is righteous and endowed with salvation, humble and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a pack animal."

Discussion Questions:

What stands out to you about Jesus’ instructions to the disciples?
How does fulfilled prophecy strengthen your confidence in Scripture?
Why is it important that Jesus rode a colt that had never been used?

Supporting Examples of God’s Care and Timing:

Jonah 1:17 "And Yahweh appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights."

Genesis 22:14 "And Abraham called the name of that place Yahweh Will Provide..."

Genesis 50:20 "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive."

Discussion Question:

How do these examples help us trust God’s care in our own lives, even when we do not understand events immediately?

SECTION 2: THE KING ENTERS

The people respond with visible honor and praise.

They lay garments on the road.
They spread branches.
They cry out “Hosanna.”

Psalm 118:25–26 "O Yahweh, save us, we beseech You; O Yahweh, we beseech You, do send prosperity!Blessed is the one who comes in the name of Yahweh..."

Discussion Questions:

What does “Hosanna” mean, and why is it significant?
What do the actions of the crowd reveal about their expectations of Jesus?

Helpful Insight: In ancient custom, laying garments before someone was an act of submission to a king.

SECTION 3: THE NATURE OF HIS KINGDOM

The crowd speaks of a kingdom, but many misunderstood its nature.

Mark 11:10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!"

Earlier, some had tried to force Jesus into political kingship.

John 6:15 "So Jesus, knowing that they were going to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone."

Jesus made clear that His kingdom is not earthly in origin or nature.

John 18:36 "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world...'"

Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Discussion Questions:

How did the crowd misunderstand the kind of king Jesus was?
What does it mean that His kingdom is spiritual?
How should that shape how we live today?

Observation: A conquering king would typically ride a war horse. Jesus chose a donkey, symbolizing peace.

SECTION 4: PRAISE AND RESPONSE

The crowd praised Jesus with enthusiasm, but many would later turn away.

Discussion Questions:

What is the difference between emotional excitement and genuine faith?
How can we ensure our praise is rooted in truth and commitment?

SECTION 5: LOOKING AHEAD

Jesus’ first coming brought salvation through His sacrifice. His return will bring final judgment and completion.

Hebrews 9:27–28 "And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him."

2 Thessalonians 1:7–10 "…when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, executing vengeance on those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of Yahweh and from the glory of His might, when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day..."

Discussion Questions: