Mark 11:1-11
A Colt Nobody Had Ridden
Read the passage
1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples
2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.
3If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’”
4So they went and found the colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. They untied it,
5and some who were standing there asked, “Why are you untying the colt?”
6The disciples answered as Jesus had instructed them, and the people gave them permission.
7Then they led the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, and He sat on it.
8Many in the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut from the fields.
9The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”
10“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”
11Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Near Jerusalem, Jesus sends two disciples into a village to bring a colt that has never been ridden. He tells them what to say if questioned: the Lord needs it and will return it shortly. They find the animal, answer the bystanders as instructed and receive permission to take it.
The disciples place their cloaks on the colt, and Jesus rides it. Others spread cloaks and branches along the road. The scene recalls Zechariah’s promised king, righteous and victorious yet humble, coming on a donkey’s colt. The prophet goes on to describe peace reaching the nations.
People ahead and behind cry Hosanna and bless the One coming in the Lord’s name. They also bless the coming kingdom of David. Psalm 118 joins a plea for salvation with this blessing of the one who comes. The welcome is filled with hope in God’s rescue and reign.
Jesus then enters the temple courts and looks around. Since it is late, He returns to Bethany with the Twelve. Mark gives the arrival its own place before the confrontations that follow.
The King entering Jerusalem is the One who has already announced His suffering and resurrection. The crowd’s praise does not change that path. We receive the welcome with those earlier words in mind: God’s promised King comes humbly, and the saving work ahead will reveal the full cost of His reign.
How We Know
Zechariah describes Jerusalem’s king riding a colt and announcing peace to the nations. Psalm 118 includes a plea for salvation and a blessing on the one coming in the LORD’s name. The action and cries in Mark recall both passages, giving the entry its scriptural royal setting.
Questions
1 How do the disciples obtain the colt?
AnswerThey follow Jesus’ instructions, find it as He said and answer those who question them. The bystanders then give permission.
2 What promise does His entry recall?
AnswerZechariah’s humble king coming to Jerusalem on a donkey’s colt. The following verse describes peace extending to the nations.
3 What hope appears in the crowd’s words?
AnswerThey bless the coming kingdom of David and use Psalm 118’s language of welcome and salvation. Their praise concerns God’s promised rescue and rule.
4 How can our praise receive the King Jesus actually is?
AnswerRemember His teaching about suffering and resurrection along with His glory. Ask Him to correct expectations that would welcome His power while resisting His humble, saving path.
What This Means for Us
It is possible to use true words of praise while expecting Jesus to serve a plan of our own. Mark’s account asks us to welcome the King who has told us where He is going, including the cross.
Bring a hope for rescue to Him. Tell Him what you long for, and let His Word shape what you expect from His reign. His humility is not a lack of authority; it belongs to the way He comes to save.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, promised King, we welcome You with gratitude. Save us from sin and from expectations that would turn You away from Your own purpose. Teach us to trust Your humble and saving reign. Amen.