If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’”

Mark 11:1-11

If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” Mark 11:3

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 introduction and for the first (of five) division (vv1-3):

• The title of this chapter for the commentary is "Here Comes Our King (The Triumphal Entry of Jesus)" and the main idea is: "Delight and be satisfied in the King who has come."
• Mark 11–16 record the final week of our Lord’s earthly life. Mark devotes more than one-third of his Gospel to “Passion Week.” Some have referred to Mark’s Gospel as a passion narrative with an extended introduction (Stein, Mark, 33). It will be a busy week culminating in His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. The week begins with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem during Passover. Traditionally we call it “the triumphal entry.” It is an unambiguous declaration of His kingship. The event is so important it is recorded in all four Gospels (Matt 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12). With His arrival the die is cast! There will be no turning back. The Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20) will now be slain in space and time. The atonement for sin, ordained in eternity past, now becomes historical for all to behold."
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Worship the One Who Is Always in Control." 
• "Jesus and the disciples, as they drew near to Jerusalem, came to Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:38-44). It will be the place where Jesus will stay during the final week of His life (Mark 11:11)." 
• "As the ark of the covenant needed an unyoked carrier (1 Samuel 6:7; Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3), so the true ark of the covenant, the Lord Jesus, required an unridden animal. It is bringing the Holy One into Jerusalem. Jesus has planned everything out to the last detail and is in complete control. From the moment He enters Jerusalem, the prerogatives of deity are present. Jesus is “Lord” and Master of every detail of His divine destiny."

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who holds all the details of my life in Your hand - knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Yet, while I was still sinning, an enemy and hostile to You, You reached into the abyss and saved me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such a sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and strength.  Please provide Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to 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.