The King Enters Jerusalem

Jesus approaches Jerusalem and arranges for a colt to be brought. He rides into the city while people spread garments and leafy branches, shouting “Hosanna” and blessing the one who comes in the name of the Lord and the coming kingdom of David. Jesus enters the temple, looks around, and withdraws to Bethany because it is late.

Where this fits in the story: Psalm 118 supplies the crowd’s festival language, while riding a colt strongly evokes Zechariah’s humble king. Mark does not quote Zechariah directly as Matthew does, so the royal correspondence should be recognized without importing another Gospel’s quotation formula into Mark.