William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Mark 11:1 - 11:1

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Mark 11:1 - 11:1


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The former part of this chapter acquaints us with our Saviour's solemn and triumphant riding into the city of Jerusalem: he who in all his journies travelled like a poor man on foot, without noise, and without train; now he goes up to Jerusalem to die for sinners, he rides, to show his great forwardness to lay down his life for us: the beast he rides on is an ass, as the manner of kings and great persons anciently was, and to fulfil that prophecy, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold thy king cometh riding upon an ass Zec_9:9. It was also an ass upon which never man sat before; signifying thereby, that the most unruly and untamed creatures become obsequious to Christ.

Grotius observes, that such animals as had not been employed in the use of man, were wont to be chosen for sacred uses. Even heathens adjudged those things most proper for the service of the gods, which had never been put to profane uses. Thus in 1Sa_6:7. we read that the Philistines returned the ark in a new cart, drawn by heifers never before put into the yoke; they thinking them polluted by being put to profane work. Our Saviour here chooses an ass which had never been backed before; and that the colt should so patiently suffer Christ to ride upon him, was miraculous. And this was a borrowed ass, whereby our Saviour right to all the creatures was manifested; and accordingly he bids his disciples tell the owner that the Lord hath need of him.

Observe lastly, What a clear and full demonstration Christ gave of his divine nature; of his omnisciency in foreseeing and foretelling the event; of his omnipotency, in inclining the heart, and overruling the will, of the owner to let the colt go; and of his sovereignty, as he was Lord of the creatures, to command and call for their service when he needed them.