And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.

Mark 11:1-11

And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. Mark 11:7-8

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:1-11.  Excerpts from the commentary's third (of five) division (vv7-8):

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "Worship the One Who Embodies Humility."   
• "Coming in this way our Lord now proclaims openly what He has forbidden until this moment: I am your King! Jesus with purpose and intentionality presents Himself as the Messiah, knowing that it will provoke the Jewish leaders resulting in His crucifixion. Nevertheless, His declaration also is bathed in gracious humility.  The paradoxical kingship of Jesus shines so bright at this moment! He is royalty and deity wrapped in a single person, yet He moves forward in His declaration to be King in lowliness, weakness, and service. He does not come in pomp, but in meekness and lowliness; He comes in humility and simplicity."  
• The commentary refers us to Sinclair Ferguson's commentary on Mark which contrasts what those familiar with Rome typically see among its leaders and their grandeur, pomp and circumstance, with that of Jesus.  Jesus came as King of Kings but not as the Jews expected - in humility and not as a conquering king.

John Piper offers powerful thoughts on the subject of humility, including how knowledge puffs us up (1 Corinthians 8:1), and how we can manage and defeat pride.  Piper warns us about pride: "[p]ride is an enemy of the soul that is so insidious it will stalk you down no matter how many outward strategies you devise to avoid it."  He then offers five "weapons of humility" that he has used to fight pride.  Of course chief among any battle plan is to daily abide in Him (John 15:1-11) and to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).

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My Prayer:  Father God, You are an awesome God that has already defeated sin and death and You are with me always.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving that You saved me and that You never leave or forsake me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.