Following in the Footsteps of Jesus up to Jerusalem

A Lenten Pilgrimage of Hope

The following reflections are offered as an accompaniment to the short video clips we have produced for our Lenten journey this year for those who want a more in-depth meditation on each stage of this journey!

Lent 4 – Palm Sunday

God has a purpose for everyone

When we read about Palm Sunday in Mark 11: 1-10, we see Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt. Let’s look together and see what we can learn about how God works.

• The colt is unsuitable for the task. It has never been ridden or trained or tested. It is likely to do the wrong thing and there are many other animals who would seem much more suited to this task, with experience, strength, and all the equipment needed.
• The colt is wanted by Jesus. Although it is young, inexperienced, looked down on and potentially not strong enough, Jesus wants it and explains this to the owners. He has a purpose for this colt, which is beyond what everyone else sees.
• The colt needed to be equipped. We see how the colt had no saddle for Jesus to sit on, but the disciples gathered around to put their cloaks to make a saddle and put palm leaves and clothes on the ground to prepare the way. If we are to fulfill God’s purposes for our lives, a supportive community around us can equip and support us.
• The colt did what it couldn’t possibly do. It carried Jesus calmly and peacefully, even though it was in a completely new and challenging situation. When we are obedient, God gives a peace which goes beyond our circumstances. The colt should have thrown off the rider or tried to, but with the call of God and the support of others, it could do the impossible.

Let’s remember this colt as we listen for God’s purpose in our own lives and the lives of others. That with God nothing is impossible.

Mark 11

11 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, ² 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. ³ If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’”

⁴ They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, ⁵ some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” ⁶ They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. ⁷ When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. ⁸ Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. ⁹ Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”^[b]

¹⁰ “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”