11:1 And {1} when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,
(1) A graphic image of the spiritual kingdom of Christ on earth.
11:1-10 The Royal Entrance into Jerusalem
SUMMARY OF MARK 11:
The Official Entrance into Jerusalem. The Barren Fig Tree Cursed. The Second Cleansing of the Temple. The Indignation of the Jewish Rulers. The Power of Faith. The Demand of the Rulers for His Authority. Their Mouths Closed by a Question Concerning the Baptism of John.
When they came nigh to Jerusalem. On the Sunday before the Lord's suffering. He had passed the Sabbath at Bethany. We have four accounts of this entry into Jerusalem: here; Mt 21:1-11 Lu 19:21-44 Joh 12:12-19. For notes, see Mt 21:1-11.
11:1 To Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives - The limits of Bethany reached to the mount of Olives, and joined to those of Bethphage. Bethphage was part of the suburbs of Jerusalem, and reached from the mount of Olives to the walls of the city. Our Lord was now come to the place where the boundaries of Bethany and Bethphage met. Mt 21:1; Lu 19:29; John 12:12.
11:1-11 Christ's coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably, shows that he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies. This would encourage his disciples who were full of fear. Also, that he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings. But all marked his humiliation; and these matters teach us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of low estate. How ill it becomes Christians to take state, when Christ was so far from claiming it! They welcomed his person; Blessed is he that cometh, the He that should come, so often promised, so long expected; he comes in the name of the Lord. Let him have our best affections; he is a blessed Saviour, and brings blessings to us, and blessed be He that sent him. Praises be to our God, who is in the highest heavens, over all, God blessed for ever.
