Mark Chapter Eleven, Questioning Authority...
In our study of Mark chapter eleven, we look at how Jesus' authority was questioned even in the last days. Jesus' authority had been demonstrated through all kinds of signs and wonders. Now we will see that even in the final days before the cross, the people were still questioning Him about His authority over the things of this earth.
Mark 11:1 - 3
"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethpage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, "Why are you doing this?" say, "The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly."'" NIV translation
The group was approaching Jerusalem and Jesus sent two of the disciples to get a donkey colt for Him to ride into Jerusalem. The prophet Zechariah had said that Israel's king would come riding on the foal of a donkey (see Zechariah 9:9). This was a direct statement to the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem that He was their King. Jesus told the disciples what to say if their authority to take the donkey was questioned.
Mark 11:4 - 6
"They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, 'What are you doing, untying that colt?' They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go." NIV translation
We notice that the disciples did not question Jesus but simply believed and went to find the colt. They had been with Him and seen the demonstrations of His authority over everything. This had strengthened them in their faith to the point where they could act without doubt or questions.
They had their doubts earlier in the ministry but, once His authority was demonstrated, it was settled in their hearts and minds. This reminds us that there is a time for questions and a time for submission. We all come to Christ with some questions but, once He is our Lord, we are to do like these two disciples and simply obey.
We also see that it went down just as Jesus had prepared them for. This is a good lesson for us as followers of Jesus. If we simply listen and trust in Him, we will be prepared for everything that is to come. He knows all things and so can lead us to the desired outcome.