Scripture Readings: Mark 11:1-11 & Mark 15: 33-47
We think of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as the beginning of Holy Week, the beginning of the last week of His earthly life. Jesus comes to Jerusalem as a king and orchestrates his entry, fulfilling prophecy and affirming his messianic identity. He chooses a humble donkey as a symbol of peace and humility, contrasting with the expectations of a conquering king riding a warhorse. When we consider the preparation of the donkey’s owner, this individual played a crucial role in fulfilling prophecy by providing the donkey for Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The act of generosity and obedience demonstrates the importance of being willing vessels in God’s plan.
There was a special password for this occasion, “The Lord needs it.” When we lack confidence in our services or face doubts, weariness, and frustration in our lives, let us recall the password given by Jesus between the Lord and us. Our Lord gives us the password, “the Lord needs it.” May we respond to Jesus’ invitation to participate in His mission by offering our gifts, prayers, praises, and services.
Regarding the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the Gospel of Matthew states that the city was stirred, while Luke reports that the crowd was singing joyfully. However, Mark writes that after these events, Jesus went to the temple, looked around, and then went back to Bethany, most likely to the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Jesus takes a thoughtful pause by visiting the temple and the home of loved ones in his final week on Earth, even before dying on the cross.
In Mark 11, the crowd welcomes Jesus with enthusiasm, spreading cloaks and palm branches before him, recognizing him as the long-awaited Messiah. Unlike the welcoming crowd in Mark 11, the crowd at the crucifixion is filled with mockery and scorn in Mark 15. They insult Jesus, challenging him to save himself if He is truly the Messiah. This contrast serves as a striking reminder of the fleeting nature of human allegiance and the depth of Jesus’ love, which remains unwavering even in the face of rejection and betrayal.
In Mark 15, as Jesus hangs on the cross, darkness covers the land, signifying the weight of sin and separation from God. Jesus cries out, feeling forsaken, bearing the full weight of humanity’s sin. The darkness lasted for three hours from the time Jesus was crucified to the moment he died. This darkness in the sky seemed to reflect heaven’s pain and grief over Jesus’ death. The darkness at Calvary signalled that God’s Son was giving his life for the sins of the world and humanity.
When Jesus was crucified, he made seven final remarks. Mark records one, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (See Psalm. 22:1). Jesus cried out in agony as he carried the world’s sin and expressed his feeling of abandonment at being crucified. However, He submitted to God’s will.
After six painful hours of torment Jesus let out a loud cry and died. In those days, the victims of crucifixion usually had no strength left and often suffered from exhaustion before dying. His loud cry is turning into a shout of victory and deliverance. Jesus willingly became our sacrifice for sin. Like a runner crossing the finish line to win the race, He fulfilled His mission to save us.
The curtain of the temple separated the holy place from the most holy place in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. It is said that the curtain was approximately two to three inches thick, but it was torn from top to bottom. The curtain could not be torn by human hands. The tearing of the temple curtain signifies the removal of barriers between humanity and God. It represents the accessibility of God’s presence and grace to all people through Jesus’ death on the cross. It emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, which reconciles us to God and allows for intimate communion with Him.
Even the way Jesus died transformed those around him. The Roman centurion witnessed everything Jesus went through in front of the cross. He saw Jesus beaten, mocked, spat upon, and crucified and then he watched him die. When the Roman centurion observed the way Jesus died, he was deeply moved and declared, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” Mark began his Gospel by referring to Jesus as the “Son of God” (1:1), and the centurion echoed this theme at Christ’s death.
Mark says that many women watched the crucifixion from a distance. These women had been eyewitnesses to the primary events in Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection. These three women, along with others from Galilee, were in Jerusalem to be with him and serve him.
Jesus received tender care and respect from his followers at his burial. Usually, the bodies of crucifixion victims were left on the cross for the birds or animals to eat, or they were taken down and placed in a common grave. However, Joseph of Arimathea wanted to bury Jesus with honour. This was a bold move on his part because he was a prominent member of the Council, the very same group that orchestrated Jesus’ death. For Joseph to expose himself as a follower of Christ could have serious consequences, but he was willing to make public his association with Christ.
In those days, the normal custom was for a relative or close friend to come and ask for the body. When Jesus’ mother had been placed in the care of John, and most disciples had fled, therefore, Joseph asked for the body. We never know who God has standing in the wings to care for us in our most difficult situations. It may be someone whom we least expect.
Despite the crowd’s mockery, we can discover faithful presence from the scene. A few women stood by Jesus, displaying remarkable courage and devotion. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council, boldly requested Jesus’ body for burial, defying common expectations and showing honour to the crucified Savior.
Jesus fulfilled his mission through His death on the cross. His sacrificial death on the cross atones for the sins of humanity, providing redemption and reconciliation with God. Through his suffering and death, Jesus demonstrates his unfathomable love for mankind.
We can feel secure in the love of Christ, knowing and feeling that Jesus was willing to pay such a heavy price to have a relationship with us. May we thank Jesus for his life-giving love and great gift. Following Christ requires love, faithfulness, sacrifice, and courage. May we approach God boldly, offering our praises, prayers, and repentance with confidence in the love of Christ.
May we deepen our love and dedication to Jesus during Holy Week. I hope we can do something beautiful for Jesus, just like the donkey’s owner, a few women, and Joseph of Arimathea. It is time to serve Jesus with love and do our part in His mission. We can do something to glorify Jesus while also doing something for someone we love or care for. I believe that God’s abundant blessings and unconditional love will be with you constantly especially during difficult times, because the incredible love that Jesus has for us touches us today and tomorrow.
Thanks be to God! Amen!
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)
