MARK 11:01-11
THE ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM
Text – Mark 11:1–11
1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples
2 and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately on entering it, you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.
3 If anyone should say to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ reply, ‘The Master has need of it and will send it back here at once.’”
4 So they went off and found a colt tethered at a gate outside on the street, and they untied it.
5 Some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
6 They answered them just as Jesus had told them to, and they permitted them to do it.
7 So they brought the colt to Jesus and put their cloaks over it. And he sat on it.
8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.
9 Those preceding him as well as those following kept crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is to come! Hosanna in the highest!”
11 He entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area. He looked around at everything, and since it was already late, went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Introduction
This passage describes Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event that inaugurates His Passion. Riding on a colt in humble majesty, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, revealing Himself as the promised Messiah—not a warrior-king but the Prince of Peace. The crowds joyfully greet Him with shouts of “Hosanna,” spreading cloaks and branches before Him in homage. Yet the same city that welcomes Him today will soon reject Him. This moment captures both the glory and the paradox of Christ’s kingship—a reign of humility, service, and sacrifice.
Historical and Jewish Context
The Mount of Olives, near Bethany and Bethphage, overlooks Jerusalem and was traditionally associated with the coming of the Messiah (Zechariah 14:4). By riding a colt that had never been used, Jesus fulfills the messianic prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretold a king who would come “humble and riding on a donkey.” The spreading of cloaks and branches was a customary act of homage to royalty (2 Kings 9:13). The acclamation “Hosanna” (Hebrew: hoshia na, meaning “Save us, we pray”) was drawn from Psalm 118:25–26, a psalm sung by pilgrims entering Jerusalem for festivals. The people’s cry, “Blessed is the kingdom of our father David,” expresses their hope for national restoration—but Jesus’ kingdom will be spiritual, not political. His silent survey of the temple in verse 11 prefigures His cleansing of it on the following day.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of Holy Week and the final stage of Christ’s redemptive mission. The Church sees in this event the revelation of Jesus as both Messiah and Servant. His entry on a humble animal signifies peace and gentleness, not domination. The paradox of Palm Sunday lies in the coexistence of joy and impending suffering: the same Jesus who is hailed as King will soon be crucified as a criminal. Theologically, this passage emphasizes the kingship of Christ rooted in obedience and sacrifice. The “Hosanna” of the crowd becomes the Church’s liturgical acclamation in the Sanctus at Mass—“Hosanna in the highest!”—linking this event to the Eucharistic celebration of Christ’s self-offering.
Parallels in Scripture
Zechariah 9:9 – “Your king comes to you, humble and riding on a donkey.”
Psalm 118:25–26 – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
John 12:12–15 – The crowd welcomes Jesus with palm branches.
Luke 19:41–44 – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, foreseeing its destruction.
Philippians 2:6–11 – Christ humbles Himself, then is exalted as Lord.
Key Terms
Hosanna – A plea for salvation and a cry of praise, meaning “Save us, Lord.”
Colt – Symbol of humility and peace, fulfilling messianic prophecy.
Kingdom of David – The messianic hope of God’s eternal reign through His anointed one.
Temple – The center of Jewish worship, soon to be purified by Jesus.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is proclaimed on Palm Sunday, marking the beginning of Holy Week. The Church reenacts the joyful procession of Jerusalem with the blessing of palms and the singing of “Hosanna,” inviting the faithful to share both in Christ’s triumph and in His Passion. The liturgy expresses the dual mystery of the Christian faith: the King enters His city not to be crowned with gold but with thorns. The procession of palms prefigures the heavenly procession of the saints who follow the Lamb who was slain.
Conclusion
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem reveals the nature of His kingship—one of humility, peace, and sacrificial love. He accepts the crowd’s acclamations, knowing they will soon turn to cries of “Crucify Him.” His silent survey of the temple signals His authority over all worship and prefigures the new covenant to be sealed by His blood.
Reflection
Do I welcome Jesus into my life as King and Lord, not just in joy but also in suffering? The path of discipleship invites me to shout “Hosanna” with faith even when the cross looms ahead. Christ reigns not from a throne of power but from the Cross of love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, King of Peace, I welcome You into my heart. Teach me to follow You with faith through both triumph and trial. May my praise be constant and my heart steadfast as I walk with You toward the glory of the Resurrection. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.