1. Mark 11:1-11 As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”

2. Mark 11:1-11 4 The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. 5 As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.

3. Mark 11:1-11 11 So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

4. Mark 11:1-11 8 Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Hosanna! [a] Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the L ORD ! 10 Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” [b]ab

5. Isaiah 50:4-9 The Sovereign L ORD has [given me the tongue of one who is taught], so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. 5 The Sovereign L ORD has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away.

6. Isaiah 50:4-9 I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting. 7 Because the Sovereign L ORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame.

7. Isaiah 50:4-9 8 He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to bring charges against me now? Where are my accusers? Let them appear! 9 See, the Sovereign L ORD is on my side! Who will declare me guilty? All my enemies will be destroyed like old clothes that have been eaten by moths!

8. As One Taught and Struck or The (Self-)Righteous Will (Not) Enter Rick Wright Palm (or Passion) Sunday (B) March 29 2015

9. March 1965 Selma Alabama March 7 = Bloody Sunday March 9 -> kneel and pray March 21-25 -> march from Selma to Montgomery White America was profoundly aroused by Birmingham because it witnessed the whole community of [African-Americans] facing terror and brutality with majestic scorn and heroic courage.

10. Isaiah 50 The Lord God has opened my ear. I was not rebellious. I did not turn backward. I give my back to those who beat me. My cheeks to those who pull out my hair. I did not hide my face from insults and spitting. The Lord God helps me. Therefore I have not been disgraced. Therefore I have set my face like a strong stone. And I know I will not experience shame. One of the Servant Songs During or to time of exile

11. Jesus the Suffering Servant Interpret Mark 11 in light of Isaiah 50 4x = אדני יהוה adonay Yhwh (my master the LORD) (1) The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught. Sent to “those who have been driven close to spiritual defeat by the blows of history” (2) Mission is risky + unpopular Obeys God by enduring opposition + attack

12. Isaiah 50 (3) The Lord God stands by the servant Legal language! (4) The Lord God declares guilty the opposition Have already lost! Will exhaust themselves No matter what happens – we entrust ourselves to God

13. Jesus and Us Modern Western society becoming more hostile to Christian faith + practice Sociologist George Yancey Survey of 4000 “white, educated, wealthy” Americans “The only good Christian is a dead Christian” Law of Merited Impossibility = It will never happen. But when it does you will deserve it.

14. Those who are taught Our obedience to God includes enduring the attacks As those who are taught