Show Don't Tell: Mark 11:1-11

Instead of saying "Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly," watch the staging. Near Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sends two disciples ahead: "Go to the village. As you enter, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks why, say, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back shortly.'" They find it just as he said—tied at a doorway, outside in the street. They untie it; people ask; they answer; they bring it to Jesus. They throw their cloaks on the colt, and Jesus sits on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, others spread branches they've cut in the fields. Those ahead and those behind shout: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" He enters Jerusalem, goes into the temple courts. He looks around at everything—but since it's already late, he goes out to Bethany with the Twelve. A reconnaissance visit. The cleansing will wait until morning.