The entry into Jerusalem (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The entry into Jerusalem
Introduction
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem marked the beginning of the week known as 'the Passion' - the week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. As Jesus and his disciples knew that he was going to die there, many expected him to enter quietly and without fuss. However, what actually happened was quite different and deeply significant for Christians.
The contrast between expectations and reality in Jesus' entry reveals important truths about his mission and character as the Messiah.
The biblical account (Mark 11:1-11)
The Gospel of Mark provides us with a detailed account of this momentous event. As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead with very specific instructions.
Jesus told them: "Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'"
Jesus' precise knowledge of where to find the colt demonstrates his divine foreknowledge and careful planning of this significant event.
The disciples followed Jesus' instructions exactly. They found the colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. When some people questioned what they were doing, the disciples responded just as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go.
When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. The response from the crowds was extraordinary - many people spread their cloaks on the road, whilst others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Both those who went ahead and those who followed shouted:
"Hosanna!"
"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
"Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!"
"Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
After entering Jerusalem, Jesus went into the temple courts and looked around at everything. However, since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Understanding how Jesus entered
The way Jesus entered Jerusalem reveals important truths about his character and mission. There was a stark contrast between what people might have expected and what actually happened:
What people might have expected:
- Jesus to enter unnoticed and secretly
- Jesus to be unhappy and fearful, knowing the fate that awaited him
- As a 'king', he should enter on an animal that represents power and authority
What actually happened:
- Jesus entered in front of witnesses, not afraid to face people
- The atmosphere was happy and cheerful, with shouts of joy and celebration
- Jesus rode on the back of a donkey, and people laid down their cloaks for him
This humble choice of transport was deeply symbolic. Rather than entering on a warhorse like a conquering military leader, Jesus chose a donkey - an animal associated with peace and humility. This demonstrated that Jesus came not as a earthly political ruler, but as a different kind of king entirely.
The significance of titles given to Jesus
The crowd's response during Jesus' entry reveals important beliefs about his identity:
The title 'Lord': Jesus is given the title 'Lord' in Mark 11:1-11, which suggests ideas of power, kingship and authority. This was not just a polite form of address - it carried deep religious significance.
Importance for early Christians: Christians in the 1st century would have considered these titles extremely important, because they revealed Jesus' roles and significance to their religion. The titles helped them understand who Jesus was and what he meant to them.
Catholic understanding today: Catholics today recognise the vital importance of the titles given to Jesus, as they reflect the belief that he was both human (living on Earth as a man) and Divine (the Son of God). This dual nature - fully human and fully divine - is central to Catholic teaching about Jesus' identity.
The crowds' shouts of "Hosanna" (meaning "Save us!") and their recognition of him as the one who "comes in the name of the Lord" show that they understood Jesus to be the promised Messiah, even if they didn't fully grasp what kind of Messiah he would be.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Jesus' entry into Jerusalem began the Passion week, leading to his crucifixion
- He deliberately chose to ride on a humble donkey rather than a powerful horse, showing he came as a peaceful king
- The crowds responded with great celebration, laying down palm branches and cloaks while shouting "Hosanna!"
- The titles given to Jesus during this event reveal important Christian beliefs about his identity as both human and divine
- This event fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah entering Jerusalem