Mark 11: 1-4

When looking at the whole of Mark it is important to note that Jesus does not mention his destination until 10:32 to only arrive in Jerusalem at the beginning of Mark 11. This is to say that there is not much text devoted to the journey to the Holy City as compared to Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Although there is still a short span of text Mark gives the reader hints of what is to come throughout the Gospel as Jesus continually predicts that he was going to be handed over to the authorities and put to death. This foreshadowing gives the reader a heightened expectation of what is to come by the time he/she gets to this moment.
When reading this section of Mark it is interesting to note how Mark gives considerable attention to the preparation for Jesus’ entry into the city. It is written as if Jesus has this well planned ahead of time with the disciples following blindly. Moreover, it is interesting to compare Mark 11:1-4 to Mark 14:12-16 where there are parallels to Jesus sending two of his disciples to make preparations for the Passover meal. Again highlighting Jesus’ well-planned intentions. …show more content…
First the conqueror or ruler is escorted into the city by the citizens or the conqueror’s army. This is followed by the procession that is accompanied by hymns and or acclamations. Then after the hymns the entrance is followed by a ritual of appropriation, such as a sacrifice that would take place in the temple whereby the ruler symbolically secures the city. Each of these elements is found in Mark, even though Jesus’ victory has not quite taken place yet. It is as if Mark is playing upon the great entry of the conqueror to emphasize the stark contrast of the servant Messiah whose victory will be achieved by a humiliating death on a cross. This theme runs through the entire entrance scene. Instead of an army, Jesus is escorted by followers-a group of bad fisherman and unwanted tax