The Road to Jerusalem

The Road to Jerusalem (Wednesday, March 25)

Mark 11:1–10

The road before Jesus wasn’t just another path of travel - it was the road to Jerusalem. He’d traveled this road before, many times I’m sure... but this time it led to the cross. Every step carried the weight of redemption.

Jesus’ mission wasn’t solitary... at least not yet. He was surrounded by followers, others whom He had deliberately included (individuals he had called and chosen) to walk in the Way of ministry and redemption.

Two of those included were sent ahead with a very specific purpose: they are to enter a village, find a colt tied there—one that had never been ridden—and bring it to Jesus. Such a task sounds a little strange and may make us touch uncomfortable. Taking something that belongs to someone else without adequate explanation could cause problems. Yet the disciples obeyed. Their willful obedience became part of one of the most significant moments in the life of Christ.

Notice something that crucial for us to understand, as modern followers of Christ (as disciples who’ve been included in the ongoing ministry of Jesus). These two disciples were not spectators. They were participants.

The King of kings would ride on colt they retrieved. Their cloaks, that they placed on the animal became Jesus’ saddle.

Many others placed their garments on the road, becoming a royal carpet.

The branches spread before Him became signs of praise.

The crowd cried out, in unison, with one voice, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Everyone in this our Lesson from Mark is doing something.

No one is standing idly by on the sidelines.

Again: this is an important lesson for the church today. Christianity is not meant to be a spectator faith.

Too often believers, too many followers of Christ, are content in cheap seats... way up in the bleachers! They’ve settled into the comfortable role of observers—watching the work of Christ from a safe distance.

We attend, we listen, we agree, but we do not always engage.

Yet Jesus calls His people, his followers, his disciples, into participation.

+ The two disciples were compelled to go where Jesus sent them.

+ The owner of the colt was obliged to release something valuable when he heard the words, “The Lord has need of it.”

+ The crowd had to step into the street, lay down their cloaks, and lift their voices in praise.

Each act, though small in-and-of itself, became part of God’s grander plan.

In the same way, Christ still calls His people to active obedience.

*He calls us to go where He sends us, even when the task seems simple or goes unnoticed by others.

*He calls us to release what we possess when it can serve His kingdom.

*He calls us to publicly honor Him before the ever-watching eyes of the world.

The Christian life is not lived in the stands; it’s lived on the road with Christ.

And that road, our road... just like the road to Jerusalem... ultimately leads to the cross.

Those who spread their cloaks before Him surely did not understand that within days this same “Son of David” (their King) would be rejected, mocked, and crucified. It reminds us that true discipleship means walking with Christ not only in moments of celebration, and joy, and growth... but also in the costly path of sacrifice.

To follow Christ fully is to move from admiration to participation.

The spectator watches Jesus pass by.

The disciple walks with Him.

The bystander applauds from a distance.

The believer lays down his best.

The crowd shouts “Hosanna” from the sidelines, for a moment.

The follower continues with Christ all the way to Calvary.

Jesus still says to each of us the very same thing He said to and through His disciples: “The Lord has need of it.”

He has need of your time... your gifts... your obedience.

He has need of your witness.

And when we surrender ourselves fully to our Lord, even the smallest acts and most minor gifts become part of the great story of redemption.

So the question our Lesson tonight quietly asks each of us is this:

Are we content to simply sit back and watch Jesus pass by, or will we join Him on the road?