Narrative Lectionary Bible Study for 03 31, 20; Mark 11:1-12

Emmanuel UCC Narrative Lectionary Bible Study
Rev. George Miller

March 31, 2020
Mark 11:1-12

Welcome to our 2nd Narrative Lectionary Bible Study during this era of uncertainty. A reminder of some basic things-

1) All opinions/views are welcome; no one knows it all. When responding, please use “I” statements

2) What Bible are you using? Is it a translation or an interpretation/paraphrase?

3) When reading the Bible, there is fact and there is truth. It was acceptable back then to use both to share info & ideas.

4) If anything challenges your belief of makes your head hurt- welcome to the club. Don’t give up- we are all on our way to becoming wizened theologians.

So…..Let’s get started.

Take a moment to read this Sunday’s text, Mark 11:1-11.

Take a breath to clear your head.

Let’s do some simple history. The story takes place at the beginning of Passover Week, a major event in Jerusalem, sort of like 12 Hours of Sebring, in which folk from all over came to town. A big part of the festival was the ruler riding into town on a huge war horse filled with pomp and circumstance, surrounded by all the important people.

Mark tells of another kind of leader riding into town from another direction, on a more humble, smaller creature. The crowd is made up of the regular folk, the “people.”

Imagine these two “parades” taking place at the same time, in opposite directions. 2 different kind of men who folk saw as a “king”, 2 different kind of creatures used for mobility, and 2 kinds of crowds.

What do you think Jesus is trying to accomplish? What do you think the author of Mark is trying to say?

Read Mark 11:1-11 again, this time pay attention to the words that are actually there, not what you think is there.

What do you think the author of Mark is trying to tell us?

Now…for the real head-hurting part, compare Mark’s account with the other Gospels. Find what is different, what’s the same.

As you read the 4 accounts, ask yourself, “Is this a fact? Or is it truth?” “Why would the same story be told 4 different ways?” And for great fun, see if you can spot the visual of Jesus’ entry that Matthew creates.

Mark 11:1-11
Matthew 21:1-17
Luke 19:28-46
John 12:12-19

May today’s study be a blessing to you.
Much love, Pastor George