When pilgrims returned to Jerusalem on the Jericho Road, they would walk over the Mount of Olives. From its peak 300 feet above Jerusalem, they would behold the gleaming temple reflecting the glory of the midday sun. But more importantly, it reflected the glory of the Father.
The Mosaic Law suffered under the hands of the Jews as pride, power, and greed drove the glory of God out of Jerusalem. Ezekiel described God’s glory leaving the city, symbolizing God’s judgment (Eze. 11:23). The people had forgotten, ignored, and even weaponized that glory of God.
Returning to Jerusalem
In Mark 11, Jesus and his disciples summitted the Mount of Olives days before the Passover, joined by others making the same pilgrimage for the great feast. However, what the other pilgrims missed was the glory of God returning to Jerusalem in the person of Jesus. Jesus drops hints and clues to his regal messianic glory: the colt fulfilled prophecy (Zech. 9:9), only kings had authority to commandeer animals, unbroken beasts were sacred (Num. 19:2; Deut. 21:3), calling himself as Lord (Mark 11:3), displaying foreknowledge, the submission of the colt (Mark 11:7), and the shouts of the people (Mark 11:9). All these portended Jesus’ role and glory.
Will his presence dazzle us?
People still ignore the glory of God. The world busies itself with trivial matters, overlooks God’s blessings, and boasts in self-importance, all while ignoring the God of glory. Today, God stands among those who seek him. Will his presence dazzle us, or will we overlook the glory of his return?
Anticipation
Mark builds a scene of anticipation as Jesus enters the temple. We want a climax of Jesus identifying himself and being celebrated. The owner of the house had returned in the full brilliance of God’s glory (Heb 1:3). Instead, everyone ignored him, and he turned and walked out (Mark 11:11). God left the temple…forever.
Preaching Minister