How does Mark 11:5 demonstrate God's sovereignty in fulfilling His plans? Setting the Scene Jesus and His disciples are approaching Jerusalem. To stage His messianic entry, He sends two disciples to fetch a colt that has never been ridden. Every detail is purposeful, down to the simple conversation we read in verse 5. Key Verse “and some of those standing there asked, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’” (Mark 11:5) God’s Sovereign Setup • Jesus’ instructions in vv. 2–3 anticipate this very question—He knows exactly what will unfold. • The disciples find the colt “outside in the street, tied at a door” (v. 4), precisely as Jesus said, demonstrating His control over circumstances. • The timing, location, and curious onlookers are all foreseen; nothing is random or left to chance. Jesus’ Precise Foreknowledge • Before the disciples leave, Jesus tells them what to say when questioned: “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it…’” (v. 3). • Mark 11:5 records the predicted question almost verbatim, confirming that Jesus’ word is infallible. • Isaiah 46:10–11 echoes this theme: God declares “the end from the beginning… My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” Cooperative Hearts Prompted by God • The men who own or oversee the colt question the disciples, yet verse 6 reports they allow the colt to go once they hear, “The Lord needs it.” • Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” If God can steer kings, He can certainly incline a few bystanders to cooperate. Prophecy Fulfilled • Zechariah 9:9 foretells Messiah entering Jerusalem “righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt.” • Mark 11:5 is a linchpin in that fulfillment: without the colt being released, the prophetic procession could not proceed exactly as Scripture required. • Psalm 115:3 affirms, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” Takeaways for Believers Today • God’s plans unfold down to small, everyday details—He is Lord over timing, conversations, and decisions. • When God directs us, we can act confidently, trusting that He has already prepared the people and circumstances we will meet (Ephesians 2:10). • Scripture’s accuracy in tiny particulars strengthens our assurance that every promise God makes will come to pass (2 Corinthians 1:20). |
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