Reaching the end of the road

 

The final days of the journey have arrived. Mark chapter 11 announces a special time and place. The King arrives at Jerusalem in the appointed way – riding on a donkey (see Zechariah 9:9). The crowd is elated and begin to sing the anthem from Psalm118:

"Hosanna, blessed is He that comes in the Name of the LORD, blessed is the coming Kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the Highest"

Previously Jesus had rejected the crowds' enthusiasm to make Him king, but now in the right place , at the right time He gives the Israelites the opportunity to open wide the gates and receive Him as their rightful King.

But what happens? The leaders respond – "Who is this?" In their willing ignorance they missed this God given opportunity. The Lord finds a welcome in the home at Bethany village.  The temple, which was intended for prayer , He finds over run by merchandising! The nation (fig tree) has no fruit for the Master. Then the leaders seek to silence the Teacher of Truth with the question "By what authority are you doing  these things?"

True, He was not ordained by men, nor schooled in the academy of Jerusalem. The three years of signs and teaching confirmed that He was sent by God in heaven!

Now chapter 12 demonstrates the heavenly teaching of Jesus the Messiah.

1  The authority of the Son as sent by the owner of the vineyard.

2  The scripture prophecy of the stone rejected.

3  The wisdom of separating God's things from worldly authority

4  The summation of the law – to love the LORD our God and our neighbour.

6  The prophecy of David, that his Lord would sit on the highest throne in heaven.

7  The true evaluation of giving.- two copper coins out of true devotion

 

Such a lot to learn! I encourage you to read Mark 11 and 12 and let your heart rejoice in Him and His Divine wisdom. What an opportunity to praise Him, trust Him and become wise in Him.