Order Of Service

Mark 11:1-9

(1) And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sendeth forth two of His disciples, (2) And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. (3) And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. (4) And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. (5) And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? (6) And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. (7) And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and He sat upon him. (8) And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way. (9) And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Introduction

It was on the first day of the Passover week that Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Until this time, He had kept His Messiahship veiled. He even asked some of the people He had healed not to spread abroad the news of the miracle. Again and again, when the excitement and enthusiasm were growing high, He would escape from the crowd and hide Himself in solitude beyond their reach. On this day, which we now call “Palm Sunday”, He changed His modus operandi. He openly declared, He was the long-awaited Messiah.

He rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey.

In this narrative, which is recorded by all four gospel writers, there is a statement that appears, over and over, and it sounds very paradoxical. What is this statement? “The Lord has need of him.” The Lord has needs? Are you serious? I thought God was all powerful. How could the Lord have needs? That’s a very good question; I will explain.

Though the Lord needs nothing, He graciously chooses to work by means of His creatures. He desires that men and women, boys and girls should be workers together with Him. He needed this man’s young donkey to fulfill His mission. Sometimes, God applies self-imposed limitations.  It’s like when a parent allows a small child to assist with a chore around the house. The parent alone could easily complete the chore more quickly and more efficiently. Yet, there is joy in the cooperation of the parent and the child. God gets joy when He allows His children to assist in His work. There is much to learn from this man who allowed Jesus to use his donkey. Now, let’s look at the text.

Exposition

1. A Royal Request.

   (To Fulfill A Prophecy.)

   (It Is An Honor When Jesus Requests Something From Us.)

2. A Rapid Surrender.

   (They Gladly Allow Christ To Use The Donkey.)

   (What Does Each Of Us Have That Christ May Use?)

   (We Are Just Stewards - Everything Belongs To Him.)

3. A Resourceful Celebration.

   (It Was A Spontaneous, Impromptu Celebration.)

   (Palm Branches Were Used As A Royal Carpet.)

   (A Foretaste Of His final Glory.)

4. A Return To His Original Mission.

   (He Still Went To The Cross.)

   (He Cleansed The Temple.)

   (He Instituted The Last Supper.)

   (He Challenged the Pharisees and Sadducees.)

   (He Was Steadfast Even Though The Cheering Stopped.)

   (Can We Continue When The Cheering Stops?)

Closing Thoughts

The Lenten season is a time of rededication to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We all have something to offer. Just as this man was willing to allow Jesus to use his donkey, we freely give our time, talent, and treasure to the service of the kingdom. When you feel you have little to offer, remember: this was a donkey - not a thoroughbred or a royal stallion. You never lose when you give what you have to Jesus. There will be a much larger reciprocal reward. Give God Glory! Give God All The Glory!

Related Scriptures

Zechariah 9:9

Matthew 21:1-11

Luke 19:29-44

John 12:12-19

Copyright © 2026 By James C. Ward

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