Mark 11:1-11

Ancient Lens

What can we learn from the historical context?

Connecting the Triumphal Entry and the Passion

At last we come to Jerusalem. On this sixth Sunday of Lent, lectionary-following congregations may read either the account of Jesus' triumphant ride into the city (Mark 11:1-11) or the account of Jesus’ Passion (Mark 14:1-15:47), or both. In any case, the preacher should bear in mind the connection between Jesus’ joyous and expectant arrival in Jerusalem and his betrayal and execution just a few days later. This summary will focus on the Triumphal Entry with several inter-textual connections to the Passion.

Throughout the Gospel of Mark, Jesus warns his disciples of his coming death and…