NOTES for Mar 11:1-11

The evangelists mention several occasions on which the people were already prepared to proclaim Jesus “King of Judea,” that is, the Messiah. Each time He avoided this “honor.” In His case, one might think the quotation marks were entirely unnecessary. But it only seems so. It is no accident that He publicly proclaims His messiahship at a time when neither a mass popular movement nor a messianic war is any longer possible: it is too late. He now had to win one more victory, a victory over the people’s traditional messianic expectations. It is no accident that He rides into Jerusalem on a donkey: this was how the most ordinary people of modest means traveled along the roads of Judea. There could be no association with a triumphant king. By this entry into Jerusalem alone Jesus makes it clear that there will be no messianic war. He does not, of course, deny His messiahship; now He does not even conceal it. But neither does He follow popular traditions. It is as though He says to those who meet Him in the city streets: Do you consider Me the Messiah? Very well, you are right. But then accept Me as I truly am, not as your tradition or imagination portrays Me. I have brought you the Kingdom, and it is open to everyone who wishes to enter. But I shall not follow the crowd. Those who are ready, follow Me. And remember how I entered Jerusalem.