24/3 - Journey to the Cross - Mark 11:1-11

Some thoughts from our Zoom time this morning…

1. Laying down what we value
The crowd throws their cloaks onto the road and the colt, which may symbolise laying down their worth, identity, or status before Jesus. What might this challenge us to lay down in our own lives as we follow him?

2. Recognising Jesus as King
The act of laying cloaks also echoes moments like the Second Book of Kings 9, where people spread garments before a king. It suggests the crowd is beginning to recognise who Jesus is. In what ways do we acknowledge Jesus as King in our lives—not just in words, but in action?

3. Cultural expressions of welcome and honour
The idea of laying something down to honour someone is seen in different cultures—for example, in Zimbabwean tradition where blankets are laid down to welcome someone into a family. These actions carry deep meaning about acceptance and belonging. What might it look like for us to express honour and welcome to Jesus in our own cultural context?

4. Jesus’ authority and foreknowledge
Jesus gives very specific instructions about the colt, showing his authority and knowledge of what will happen. It also points forward to how God equips his people with what to say in difficult moments. How does this encourage us to trust that God will provide what we need when we need it?

5. Compassion even in small details
Even as Jesus instructs the disciples to take the colt, he ensures the owners are told, “The Lord needs it and will send it back.” This reflects care and consideration, even in small things. What does this teach us about the character of Jesus in everyday situations?

6. God preparing hearts in advance
The people allow the disciples to take the colt without resistance, suggesting that God had already been at work preparing them. In the same way, when we speak to others about Jesus, God may already be at work in their hearts. How might this give us confidence in sharing our faith?

7. A quiet and thoughtful arrival
When Jesus enters Jerusalem and goes into the temple courts, he simply looks around before leaving. It is a surprisingly quiet and reflective moment after such a dramatic entry. What might this tell us about Jesus’ awareness of what is to come?

8. A symbol of purity and purpose
The colt had never been ridden, which may point to ideas of being set apart, pure, and prepared for a special purpose—similar to imagery found elsewhere in Scripture. What might this teach us about being set apart for God’s purposes?

9. A different kind of king
Everything about this scene points to Jesus as King—but not in the way people expected. He comes humbly, riding on a colt rather than a warhorse. How does this reshape our understanding of what true kingship and leadership look like?