The entry into Jerusalem (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The entry into Jerusalem
Introduction to the passion week
The entry into Jerusalem represents a pivotal moment in St Mark's Gospel, marking the beginning of what Christians call "the Passion" - the final week leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. This event is significant because Jesus and his disciples knew he was travelling towards his death, yet many people expected him to enter the holy city quietly and without drawing attention to himself.
The term "Passion" comes from the Latin word "passio," meaning "suffering." In Christian theology, it specifically refers to the final period of Jesus' life, encompassing his suffering, death, and resurrection.
The biblical account (Mark 11:1-11)
The Gospel of Mark provides a detailed description of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus and his followers approached the city, they came to two small villages called Bethphage and Bethany, located near the Mount of Olives.
Jesus gave specific instructions to two of his disciples: "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.'"
The precision of Jesus' instructions and the disciples finding everything exactly as described demonstrates Jesus' divine knowledge and the careful planning of this significant event.
The disciples found everything exactly as Jesus had described. When they brought the young donkey to him, they placed their cloaks over the animal as a makeshift saddle. Many people in the crowd also spread their cloaks on the road ahead of Jesus, while others cut palm branches from nearby fields and laid them down as a carpet of honour.
The crowd's response
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people demonstrated their excitement and reverence through both their actions and their words. The crowd shouted traditional Hebrew praises:
The Crowd's Proclamations:
"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!"
These exclamations show that the people recognised Jesus as someone special - possibly even the long-awaited Messiah who would restore the kingdom of David.
How Jesus entered the city
The manner of Jesus' entry was both humble and significant. Rather than arriving on foot or on a warhorse (which would suggest military conquest), Jesus chose to ride on a young donkey that had never been ridden before. This choice was deliberate and meaningful:
- Humble appearance: A donkey was a simple, peaceful animal, not associated with warfare or aggression
- Royal symbolism: In ancient times, kings sometimes rode donkeys during times of peace
- Prophetic fulfilment: This method of entry connected to Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah
The crowd's response was equally telling. By laying down their cloaks and palm branches, they were treating Jesus like royalty, creating a red carpet effect that showed honour and respect.
The choice of a donkey was not random - it was a powerful statement. Jesus was declaring himself to be a king, but a king of peace, not a military conqueror. This challenged people's expectations about what the Messiah would be like.
The significance of Jesus' titles
During this event, Jesus was given the important title "Lord" by his followers and the crowd. This title carries deep theological meaning for Christians:
- Divine authority: The word "Lord" suggests power, kingship, and supreme authority
- Recognition of status: First-century Christians would have understood the significance of calling someone "Lord"
- Dual nature: The title helps Christians understand Jesus as both fully human (riding humbly on a donkey) and fully divine (worthy of the title "Lord")
The variety of titles and responses to Jesus during this event demonstrates the complexity of his identity and mission. Some saw him as a teacher, others as a king, and still others as the divine Son of God.
Theological implications
This passage reveals important truths about Jesus' character and mission. He entered Jerusalem knowing he would face suffering and death, yet he did so openly and with dignity. The entry shows Jesus as someone who was both approachable (riding a humble donkey) and worthy of worship (receiving royal treatment from the crowd).
The event also demonstrates how different people can have varying understandings of who Jesus is and what his mission involves. Some in the crowd may have expected a political revolutionary, whilst others recognised his spiritual significance.
This tension between different expectations of Jesus continues throughout the Passion narrative. The same crowds who welcomed him with "Hosanna!" would later call for his crucifixion, showing how quickly public opinion can change when expectations are not met.
Key Points to Remember:
- Jesus' entry into Jerusalem marked the beginning of the Passion week leading to his crucifixion
- He deliberately chose to ride on a young donkey, symbolising peace and humility whilst fulfilling prophetic expectations
- The crowd honoured him with cloaks, palm branches, and shouts of "Hosanna", showing their recognition of his special status
- The title "Lord" given to Jesus suggests both his divine authority and his role as king
- This event demonstrates Jesus' dual nature as both human and divine, humble yet worthy of worship