1 When they were nearing Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany on Mount Olives, he sent off two of the disciples with instructions: 2 "Go to the village across from you. As soon as you enter, you'll find a colt tethered, one that has never yet been ridden. Untie it and bring it. 3 If anyone asks, 'What are you doing?' say, 'The Master needs him, and will return him right away.'" 4 They went and found a colt tied to a door at the street corner and untied it. 5 Some of those standing there said, "What are you doing untying that colt?" 6 The disciples replied exactly as Jesus had instructed them, and the people let them alone. 7 They brought the colt to Jesus, spread their coats on it, and he mounted. 8 The people gave him a wonderful welcome, some throwing their coats on the street, others spreading out rushes they had cut in the fields. 9 Running ahead and following after, they were calling out, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God's name! 10 Blessed the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in highest heaven! 11 He entered Jerusalem, then entered the Temple. He looked around, taking it all in. But by now it was late, so he went back to Bethany with the Twelve.
The Passion Story - Mark 14:1-15:47
“Not What Was Expected”
Jesus was not what was expected by the people of Israel who had waited so long for their promised Messiah so they crucified Him within the same week they hailed him as King.
They were looking at Him as their great political Messiah; he was coming as a King whose kingdom was not of this world.
In His kingdom peace (“would that you know the things which make for peace”) comes not by being the most powerful but by loving enough to suffer for others. (Phil 2:8)
It is to serve rather then be served and to give one’s life as a ransom for many.
The disciples (nor the crowd) didn’t understand that the Messiah must die. The thought is both repulsive and enraging for them; this is not what they expected: a king riding into Jerusalem on a donkey!
God , the incomprehensible God, did things not necessary or expected of God.
He took exception to our way of doing things and sent his Son to be a servant,
”to humble himself and become obedient unto death, even death on a cross.” (Phil 2:8)

God , the incomprehensible God,
did things not necessary
or expected of God.
Prayer thought for the week: “Lord, may your passion make me passionate in serving
rather then being served.”
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