From Jericho To Jerusalem
FROM JERICHO TO JERUSALEM
MARK 10:46–11:11
As Christians we have the exciting privilege of knowing that Jesus will ride in triumph on the things we give him.
Bartimaeus is the great example in the Gospels of a man who was conscious of his need of Jesus and let nothing stand in the way of having his need met. He recognized in Jesus the Son of David (the title is very probably messianic; see Isaiah 11:1-5; Jeremiah 23:5f.; Ezekiel 34:23f.; Mark 12:35), and believed that he could help him as he had helped others. When Jesus summoned him and asked what he wanted done for him, there was no hesitancy (contrast John 5:6f.). Thereafter Bartimaeus joined the company that was following Jesus. The story is an excellent parable of the meaning of discipleship.
Jesus had reached Jericho after crossing over the Jordan from the region to the east (10:1). He now continued farther to the south-west up the steep road to Jerusalem which he approached via the two villages on its east side. Here he made his plans for a symbolic entry. It is not certain whether the instructions about the colt reflect a previous arrangement or supernatural knowledge. But it seems strange to describe the incident in such detail if it were simply a prearranged plan.
The significance of the entry is to be gathered from the cries of Jesus’ companions. “Hosanna” is an Aramaic word meaning “save now” which was used as a greeting for pilgrims; it was probably shouted without people being aware of its meaning, just as people today may say “Hallelujah” without realizing that they are saying “Sing praise to Jehovah.” Then Psalm 118:26a is quoted: this was originally a blessing pronounced upon pilgrims, but here it may possess a deeper sense. This would be confirmed by 11:10, which speaks of the coming of the messianic kingdom.
What, then, did it all mean? Did Jesus take the bold step of entering Jerusalem as the Messiah, yet in such a way that the people might realize that his ideas of Messiahship differed completely from those popularly held? Did some of the people realize the significance of the colt as a pointer to Zechariah 9:9? Did their cries mean more than they realized at the time? John 12:16 suggests that something like this was the case. There was a mixture of understanding and perplexity among both the crowd and the disciples. For the moment there was nothing on which the authorities could lay the finger.
For meditation How would you reply to Jesus’ questions in 10:36,51?