Today we are reading from Mark 11: 1-11:

1 When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’” 4 They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, 5 some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. 9 Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,
“Hosanna!
    Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
11 Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

All of Mark has been building to this point.  Jesus has been teaching the disciples, healing people, teaching them as well. Getting everyone ready for what is to come next. What is that?  

The cross. 

Mark makes it clear all throughout his Gospel that Jesus is going to Jerusalem.  Jesus will go there. He will be handed over.  He will be put to death, dying for our sins.  And He will be raised. This is not accidental.  This is God’s plan, the entire time.  Over the next few days in Mark, we will read about what happens to Jesus in Jerusalem. 

Today’s passage shows us Jesus’ entry though.  He is worshiped and given the praise that He is due.  We see all the people come out to praise.  We see everyone come to worship Him.  So often throughout the Gospels people really don’t see Him for who He is.  

Today, though, He is worshiped.  He is given the praise that He is due.  Everyone sees Jesus as the King that He is. He is worshiped and praised, by all. 

That’s our job today. Worship Him. Truly worship Him with our lives, our words, our souls, everything. Worship Him for all that He is. That’s our job.  That’s our purpose. That’s the reason we are here.  To worship Him. 

Jesus’ ultimate purpose was the cross.  Our purpose is to worship.  He was faithful to His purpose.  May we be faithful to ours.  

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