August 13, 2022 - Mark 11-13

Jesus cleansed the temple and called the scribes and Pharisees a bunch of thieves. They started looking for a way to have him arrested. In the temple, they challenged Jesus’ authority, but would not answer his questions because they were afraid of the crowds. Jesus spoke a parable against them, but still they cowered and looked for some underhanded way to get Jesus arrested. They tried to trap Jesus with trick questions, but he silenced them with his own questions. Events certainly are coming to a boil. But they are progressing, not according to the plans of the Scribes and Pharisees, but exactly as the Father desires. What joy to know that no opposition to the Lord’s plans can prevail. Soon, the enemies of Jesus will think they have won, but the eventual outcome of these events give victory to the Son and to all his people.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry.

O Savior meek, pursue your road,

with palms and scattered garments strowed.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die.

O Christ, your triumphs now begin

O’er captive death and conquered sin. -- Henry Hart Milman (1827)