11.1-11

Introduction
• Spend some time reflecting on Lou’s sermon last Sunday. What most impacted you from that presentation of Jesus as servant of all, and of Jesus’ interaction with Bartimaeus, and of Bartimaeus’ response to Jesus?

The Text: Mark 11.1-11 Page 26.11-27.1
• Read the text aloud to each other.

Discussion Questions:
• What are all the things we can learn about Jesus from this narrative about the colt? Why does Jesus here refer to himself as ‘the Lord’? Does this connect in some way with Bartimaeus calling Jesus the son of David?
• Some commentators suggest that the crowd was part of the larger annual Passover celebration and not necessarily responding directly to Jesus. What is your understanding of this story? Does the text speak clearly to this question?
• Why do you think Jesus goes directly to the temple and looks around at everything and then leaves to spend the night in Bethany?
• Put yourself in the place of the Twelve who have been listening to Jesus’ predictions about what will happen during Jesus’ visit to Jerusalem? What is going through their minds as Jesus commandeers the colt, rides into town, reconnoiters the temple, and then leaves?

Application reflections
• What is it about Jesus that causes us to stand up and shout his praise?
• Have you ever had an experience like that of the two disciples sent to bring back the colt? That is an experience where you heard clear directions from the Lord that seemed unusual, but then worked our just as he had said?
• How might we participate in the Acts 1.8 ministry fair as a demonstration of following Jesus on the way into Jerusalem?

Pray