“The Personalities of the Parade”
Mark 11:1-10 • Larry L. Thompson (2002)
“. . . Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, [2] saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. [3] If anyone asks you, ’Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ’The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ “[4] They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, [5] some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" [6] They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. [7] When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. [8] Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. [9] Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" [10] "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! “Hosanna in the highest!”
INTRODUCTION
In the Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant one of the most amazing scenes is the re-enactment of the Triumphant Entry on the First Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and there were thousands upon thousands of followers who were joyfully marching before Him and they were waving their Palm branches and they were all shouting…. (Cue for choir to yell HOSANNA!) This is what they had to proclaim as all of Jerusalem made ready for this glorious parade. I call it, the parade to Calvary and this man, this Messiah was the One they had all come to see. Jesus, “the One who comes in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9).
The biggest parade I have ever witnessed was Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Having watched it on television for years it was a dream for our family to actually experience this annual tradition and we did a few years ago. We had no idea it would be so crowded! We had anticipated so much the parade that we failed to consider the crowds. We were five or six rows back and there was no way any of us could see the parade. I had planned for months for this trip and had such great anticipation but I forgot to take care of one small detail. I went and took a street barrier and put it at the back of the crowd against a building and our girls stood on the barrier and saw the parade in its entirety. Now when I consider how crowded it was in NYC for the parade I want to explain to you how big the crowds were for this triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. I want you to pay close attention today to the importance of the small details and the significance of this truth. WHAT JESUS DID IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT HE SAID!
Biblical Background:
This day in the life of Christ occurred during the days of Passover. It was one of the compulsory feasts for the Jewish people. It was the obligation for every male who lived within a 15-mile radius of Jerusalem to be in attendance. Passover commemorated the deliverance of God’s people from Egypt. So it was a time of great thanksgiving offered by the people of God. It was the ambition of every Jew who lived away from Jerusalem to attend at least one Passover in their lifetime. This meant that each year at Passover Jews flocked to Jerusalem from every corner of the world. The crowds that came to the city were enormous.
To understand historically how large this crowd would have been we examine what Flavious Josephus, famous Jewish historian writes about one particular Passover celebration:
“Cestius, the Roman governor of Palestine, attempted to impress Emperor Nero that the Passover was an important feast for the Jews, and to do this he ordered the high priest to count the actual number of lambs that were sacrifice at Passover in the year A.D. 65. Cestius quoted the high priest as giving him a figure of 256,500 lambs that were offered for sacrifice.”
The Jewish law stipulated that a minimum of ten people were required for one sacrificial lamb. With that ratio we would be looking at a crowd of at least three million pilgrims. It is obvious that this would have been an extremely crowded time and as a result EVERYTHING THAT JESUS DID IN JERUSALEM NOW HAS THIS ENORMOUS CROWD AS ITS BACKDROP. The entire city was talking about the PARADE TO CALVARY! Let’s examine the…
THE PERSONALITIES OF THE PARADE. ONE FACTOR WE NEED TO SEE IN LOOKING AT THIS MESSAGE IS THE TRUTH OF HOW GOD IS USING THE PRINCIPLES OF HIS WORD IN OUR LIVES AND IN THIS MINISTRY. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION.
I. THE PREEMINENT PERSONALITY OF CHRIST [Mark 11:9]
“Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Illustration: All Parades focus on personalities! 1960 Parade in OKC to see JFK
In the summer of 1960 my mother took me to a local shopping center because there was to be a parade and at the end of the parade a candidate, who was running for President of the United States would stop and speak to the crowds. I remember this so very clearly that in the parking lot of the shopping center there was a flatbed truck with political posters everywhere. We had arrived early and stood close enough for me to see this young dynamic politician. I don’t remember what he said but I do remember he looked at me and waved to me. That young man would later that year be elected as President of the United States of America, John F. Kennedy. It appeared that he would last forever, handsome smile, beautiful wife, war hero with eloquent speech…it was as many wrote, and this was America’s Camelot. Within three years the reign, the presidency, the new hope was all gone with the assassin’s bullet! They would have tried their very best to make it last forever. But they could not! And so it is with parades and with the earthly rulers.
BUT THIS WAS NOT SO IN THIS PARADE WITH THE KING OF KINGS. This was the personality of a new King. He operated from a different kind of principle. To begin with, Jesus was at the end of a journey which had begun some nine months before when he purposefully began to zigzag through Galilee, then Samaria, and finally Judea. During this final journey he had ministered in at least thirty-five localities, timing the journey so he would end up in Jerusalem for Passover.
He had now returned to Bethany, on the outskirts of Jerusalem; word had already spread that he had healed blind Bartimaeus in Jericho, He had resurrected Lazarus in Bethany and so the expectations of the people were now running high. There was also unparalleled tension in Jerusalem. Wherever one could go—in the marketplace, in the doorways, on the corner, in the Temple—everyone was talking about this Person whose Name is Jesus. The Passover was only a few days away. Would Jesus make a move? If so, when? What would the authorities do? As the pressure mounted, the Lord indeed took definite, calculated, detailed, and premeditated action.
EXAMINE THE THOROUGH PREPARATION OF THE MESSIAH: (Mark 11:7-10)
[7] When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. [8] Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. [9] Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" [10] "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! “Hosanna in the highest!”
“And many spread their garments on the road. . .” (Mark 11:8). This was how a king entered Jerusalem. Indeed, garments had been spread on the road at the anointing of Jehu as king (cf. 2 Kings 9:13) “They hurried and took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted Jehu is king!”
The notion of someone riding a donkey or a colt is almost comical, but in the strong language of prophecy it speaks volumes. In the East, when a king rode a donkey into a city it was a declaration that he came in peace; conversely, when the king rode a horse into a city it was a declaration of war. So when Jesus rode the donkey into the city of Jerusalem He was saying He was their King. The King that had arrived and He was the Prince of Peace.
Before there can be a Parade there has to be some preparation. As Jesus rounded the south side of the Mount of Olives, he would pass by Bethphage before entering Jerusalem. On that blessed day Mark tells us that Jesus was walking in front of his disciples. (Examine: Mark 10:32: “They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him.”) As the preparation for this parade progress we see two distinctly different personality types from people associated with Jesus Christ. You and I will see ourselves in one of the two responses.
II. THE PARTICIPATORY PERSONALITY OF THE COMMITTED [MARK 11:1-7]
“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, [2] saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. [3] If anyone asks you, ’Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ’The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ “[4] They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, [5] some people standing there asked, "What are you doing, untying that colt?" [6] They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. [7] When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.
“And they came to Bethphage.” Here Jesus sent two of his disciples into the small town to obtain a donkey’s unridden colt. As to how Jesus knew it was there, the Scriptures are silent. Perhaps one of his disciples told him, or maybe it was revealed by the Father. Whatever the case, we may surmise that the owners gave it to him because they had heard of Jesus and reasoned they could trust him with the colt. Perhaps they were honored that he would ask. In all of this we observe Jesus’ painstaking attention to details. He had carefully ordered everything.
What I want us to consider is something I have overlooked many times in reading this text. As I read this the Spirit gave me new insight. In my opinion this is some of the real meat of this text.
ILLUSTRATION: ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’
Since 1997 Dr. Richard Carlson’s small book, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” and been a national best seller. Carlson points out that there are some details that you don’t need to worry about; let someone else can handle the responsibility. In practicum this sounds wonderful and yet spiritually I have discovered that it is the small stuff, the minute details that are most important for me to complete if my walk with Christ is to be a growing and maturing relationship.
Richard Carlson may be teaching us how to avoid sweating the details, but remember that Jesus sweat drops of blood in the Garden when agonizing over the details associated with His sacrifice for our salvation.
We notice that Jesus sent two of his disciples to take care of what appears to be a seemingly insignificant detail. He told them to go into the next village. He said they would find a colt, which had never been ridden. They were to untie it and bring it to Him. Now, this doesn’t seem like such a big deal does it? IN FACT, DOESN’T IT SEEM LIKE A LITTLE BIT OF OVERKILL TO SEND TWO DISCIPLES TO CARRY OUT SUCH A SIMPLE TASK? Wouldn’t one have been sufficient? We must not miss this message; EVERYTHING Jesus DID WAS DIVINELY INSPIRED! Sending two disciples was part of the ministry preparation for these followers.
The truth is as we obey the commands of Christ; we will experience God working in our lives. Two disciples were sent to do a simple task. No one watching them would have said, “Wow! What obedient Christians. Isn’t that amazing?” And yet as we obediently accomplish what Christ commands we experience His presence and power at work in lives.
Jesus never sent his disciples to do anything alone. Notice the wording, He “sent out” (apostello) two of His disciples” (Mark 11:1). We understand this action when he sent them out two by two to spread the Good News of his coming kingdom through preaching, healing, and casting out demons. But why in the world would he send two disciples to go untie a donkey and bring it to him? Why did he send two disciples to procure the upper room, so they could have their Last Supper together? (cf: Mark 14:12-14) IF Jesus never “sent out” his disciples alone then why is it that we so often we go out on our own as Christians. We’re the Lone Rangers of Christianity…and we don’t even take Tonto!
We may be fully capable of completing an assignment under His leadership and by His power alone…however, we miss the privilege of encouraging another, strengthening another, equipping another or being ministered to personally by another when we “go it alone” in our faith walk.
Illustration: The “With Me” Principle
What I want you to understand today in this CROSSPOINTS message is that many have missed a vitally important principle in our growing faith. I want to give that principle a name today. I want to call it: The “WITH ME” principle. As I accomplish what God has directed in my life, I should to intentionally invite another Christian to work “with me.” In doing so we can affirm and encourage one another, hold each other accountable and build and strengthen the Body of Christ by equipping one another to do the work of the ministry.
Think about it for a moment. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons never travel alone when they propagate their false religion? Because they’re always training someone new, because there is strength when one person supports another. The cults understand the “With Me” principle better than the believers of Christ!
KEY TO THE ‘WITH ME’ PRINCIPLE: Nothing Jesus commands us to do is insignificant!
Jesus sent the two disciples to get a colt, a seemingly insignificant detail. Yet, this insignificant detail was the preparation for the fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah. Examine the following text: Zech. 9:9:
“Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
The disciples’ obedience gave them the opportunity to experience God at work in their lives and through their obedience to the smallest of details they would gave Jesus the opportunity to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 as he rode into Jerusalem that day as the Messiah. THERE IS NO INSIGINIFCANT DETAIL WHEN IT COMES TO OBEDIENCE TO THE WORD OF GOD.
TODAY’S CROSSPOINT FOR BELIEVERS:
As you prepare for the Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant as well as your personal walk in Christ, how are you doing with the small details directed by God’s Word and His Spirit?
Daily study of God’s word in your life
Your personal prayer life
Your ministry of attendance in your church
Your obedience in the giving of your time, talent and treasure.
Your consideration of the “With Me” principle. Are you taking someone with you to train them in the work of ministry or are you going with someone else who is equipping you to do the work of the ministry.
Is your life a representation of Christ in You?
Have you allowed the Lord to lead you to the individual or individuals that you will bring with you to this year’s Fort Lauderdale Christ Pageant?
BEFORE WE LEAVE THIS POINT I WANT TO TIE THIS PRINCIPLE TO THE VISION AND MINISTRY OF WHAT GOD IS DOING IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH. FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS WE HAVE ACTIVELY HAD A GROUP OF TREMENDOUS LAY LEADERS WORKING UNDER THE DIRECTION OF TONI HAMILTON IN OUR “FBC COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MINISTRY.” They are actively putting together the biblical foundation that will allow the vision God has given this church to flourish. We have learned much from this team in their leadership, terminology and direction. Today allow me to show you how this principle of leadership training is applied.
1. Jesus demonstrates TEAM ministry by sending them out by two. Each equal value in their ministry assignment.
2. Jesus gave them a ministry description. Explained the description, told them what they would expect and what to do if there were any problems…he prepared them ahead of time to set them up to succeed.
3. Jesus demonstrated Biblical integrity by committing to follow the Biblical Prophecy in Zech. 9:9.
4. The Disciples demonstrate biblical integrity by doing what Christ has commanded them to accomplish, following His leadership and not simply manufacturing ministry on the run.
5. Jesus demonstrated true leadership and His commitment to the TEAM by giving them the vision, equipping them, empowering them to do the work, trusting them to accomplish the work and then affirming their work by incorporating what they have done into His ministry…the ultimate goal is that God is glorified.
6. The outcome of the Parade was a great spiritual success because EVERYONE did what they were called, equipped and empowered to accomplish!
We have seen the preeminent personality of Jesus Christ and we have witnessed the participatory personality of the committed, finally let us witness the…
III. THE PASSIVE PERSONALITY OF THE CASUAL
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day and folks recognized him, truly recognized him for who he was and in the midst of the Parade they began to follow. They vast majority shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!”
These were ‘Hebrews on Holiday!’ Mark says in verse 9 that “Those who went ahead and those who followed [repeatedly] shouted.” This was an antiphonal chant between those in front of Jesus and those behind. Some scholars suggest that it went like this: First group: “Hosanna!” Second group: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” First group: “Hosanna in the highest!”
This was a day of celebration, the preparation had now taken place—and yet for many in the Parade that day there was NO RECOGNITION OF THE ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE EVENT that was taking place in their midst. Sure they became followers, certainly they joined the parade, but for them it was a momentary celebration, a misdirected hope, a simple break from the monotony of their everyday life. Some knew who Jesus was. Perhaps they had even experienced healing from his touch. Some no doubt had heard His teaching and knew that no one had ever taught like Him. So they joined the thousands of followers and got caught up in the emotional moment of the day and even shouted their praises: “Hosanna! Hosanna! Lord, save us NOW!”
What do we learn from this picture, from this situation, from this series of events? We learn the difference between being a committed disciple of Jesus Christ and a casual follower of Jesus Christ. In the heat of the moment, when the crowds are shouting praises, it’s easy to follow, easy to join in the Parade. However, a week later the same casual crowd that was influenced in the PRAISE OF THE PARADE was now influenced by the PLOT OF THE PHARISEES. It is the passive casual commitment that becomes so very evident when one day you have the People saying, “Hosanna is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!” and by the end of the week the same people are joining in the chorus of “Crucify Him, Crucify Him!”
Do you know what is ironic? Many people live each day of their lives, praying to have a part in one of Christianity’s ‘Big Parades,’ praying and hoping they will be given the big opportunities. We want God to put us in situations where we can do great things for Him. “God I want the solo in this year’s pageant!” However, we won’t commit to the action of the week by week rehearsals that prepare us for the weekly worship to lead God’s people into His presence. “God I want to go overseas on the mission trip to tell those in the third world about the love of Christ.” However, we won’t commit to sharing with our own family, our friends, our neighbors, our classmates about His wonderful life changing love.
KEY PERSPECTIVE: We often think that we learn obedience to God by participating in the Parades, but in truth it is the obedience in the smallest of details that lead us to the pinnacle of praise.
Jesus spent three years with the disciples. THEY DIDN’T HAVE PARADES EVERY DAY. There was only one Parade…the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The disciples learned the power in the daily details, the every day acts of obedience to His commands. It was in the smallest of details the disciples were given the opportunity to be tested, equipped and affirmed as they obeyed they learned to experience the power of God in their lives.
As we read the Gospels we read between the lines and we find Christ empowering and preparing these ordinary men day by day, teaching them in simple obedience to follow the Father’s command. In the obedience of the simple details followers were equipped and empowered to experience the LIVING POWER AND PRESENCE OF GOD at work in and through their lives. Ordinary men accomplishing the extraordinary as they were led and directed by the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION:
I believe that another CrossPoint should be for us to acknowledge: “To love God is to trust God enough to obey Him.” This is where experiencing God in our lives both begins and ends. We don’t obey the Father, so that God will love us. The disciples didn’t go get the colt, so Jesus would love them. They got the colt, because they KNEW Jesus loved them, and they loved Jesus and by their obedience were proving their love. Our obedience does not gain us favor with God—we have favor with God by virtue of our relationship to Jesus Christ.
It’s never been easy to publicly walk with Jesus, to love God, to know that means trusting Him enough to obey Him no matter what. On this day where do we stand with God, and how are we doing at carrying out the simplest of details that Jesus has given us? What would we throw down for Jesus as He passes our way this day?
Wouldn’t it be great if Jesus would say, “Go down out to Broward Blvd. and Federal and you’ll find a car parked on the side of the road. Bring it back here, I need it. If anyone questions you, just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will sent it back here immediately.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful for all of us if our instructions were so specific?
Guess what? They are. His directives are that specific. Just the simple tasks, of personally sitting with Him daily, reading His word, listening for His command and then actively committing to follow His directives. So what is your personality this morning as we sit before the Lord? Passive or participatory and preparing, ready to follow even the simplest details of the King and Join in the Parade to Calvary!
