Ephesians 2:8-9 - the gift of God- not by works

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Commentary

Christians have been saved by grace. The grace of God is the source of salvation; faith is the channel, not the cause. God alone saves. Salvation never originates in the efforts of people; it always arises out of the lovingkindness of God. Truly, "salvation is of the Lord" (Jon. 2:9). Paul is saying that even our belief in God does not originate in ourselves. This too is a gift, so no one can take pride in his or her position as a Christian. Everything is received from our merciful and gracious Father.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Eph 2:8-10). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Not by works
A person cannot earn salvation through supposedly good deeds.

Salvation cannot be earned by:
1. Confirmation
2. Baptism
3. Church membership
4. Church attendance
5. Holy Communion
6. Trying to keep the Ten Commandments
7. Living by the Sermon on the Mount
8. Giving to charity
9. Being a good neighbor
10. Living a moral, respectable life

People are not saved by works. And they are not saved by faith plus works. They are saved through faith alone.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Eph 2:9). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Ephesians 2:4-5 - it is by grace you have been saved

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Ephesians 2:4-5

Commentary

The words, But God, indicate that a stupendous change has taken place. It is a change from the doom and despair of the valley of death to the unspeakable delights of the kingdom of the Son of God's love. The Author of the change is God Himself. No one else could have done it, and no one else would have done it. One characteristic of this blessed One is that He is rich in mercy. He shows mercy to us by not treating us the way we deserve to be treated (Ps. 103:10).

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Eph 2:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Mercy and Grace

Mercy withholds from a person what is deserved (in this case, judgment); "grace" gives what is not deserved-salvation (v. 5).2:8, 9 Faith is not itself a work that somehow merits salvation; rather it is a response of trust stimulated by the Holy Spirit and leading to salvation. God's purpose in making salvation a free gift is to eliminate any possibility of people boasting in their own self-efforts (Rom. 3:27).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Eph 2:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Romans 10:12-13 - Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."

Romans 10:12-13

Commentary

In Romans 3:23 we learned that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile as far as the need for salvation is concerned, for all are sinners. Now we learn that there is no distinction as far as the availability of salvation is concerned. The Lord is not an exclusive God, but is Lord over all mankind. He is rich in grace and mercy to all who call upon Him.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Ro 10:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Because most Jews strongly rejected the idea that God's grace extended to Gentiles, they were willingly ignorant of the full measure and extent of His provision for redemption. Because they were God's specially chosen people, they believed they were also His only saved people. They knew, of course, that Ruth, a Moabite, was the great-grandmother of David and therefore in the line of the Messiah. But they insisted that such Gentiles who converted to Judaism and were blessed by God were exceptions that proved the rule.

MacArthur, J. (1996, c1991, c1994). Romans (81). Chicago: Moody Press.

Romans 10:9-10 - confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.

Romans 10:9-10

Commentary

confess .. the Lord Jesus. Not a simple acknowledgment that He is God and the Lord of the universe, since even demons acknowledge that to be true (James 2:19). This is the deep personal conviction, without reservation, that Jesus is that person's own master or sovereign. This phrase includes repenting from sin, trusting in Jesus for salvation, and submitting to Him as Lord. This is the volitional element of faith.
God has raised Him from the dead. Christ's resurrection was the supreme validation of His ministry (cf. John 2:18-21). Belief in it is necessary for salvation because it proved that Christ is who He claimed to be and that the Father had accepted His sacrifice in the place of sinners (4:24; cf. Acts 13:32, 33; 1 Pet. 1:3, 4). Without the resurrection, there is no salvation (1 Cor. 15:14-17).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Ro 10:9). Nashville: Word Pub.

"Confess"

"Confess" is the Greek word homologeōg, meaning "to declare the same thing." Therefore, the confession that leads to salvation is that which agrees with God in His judgment concerning man and His remedy for man in Christ. Confession of Jesus as Lord is one of the earliest Christian confessions of faith. To acknowledge Jesus as Lord certainly involves: (1) a recognition of His deity: Lord (kurios, Gk.) is often used to translate the name of God in the O.T. (Yahweh); (2) a recognition of His ability to save; and (3) an acknowledgement of His sovereign right as God-Savior to demand obedience to Himself in all things. The idea of personally trusting Him is involved.

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Ro 10:2). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 Corinthians 15:14, 20 - And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless

14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

14and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.

1 Corinthians 15:14, 20

Commentary

Paul gives 6 disastrous consequences if there were no resurrection:
1) preaching Christ would be senseless (v. 14);
2) faith in Christ would be useless (v. 14);
3) all the witnesses and preachers of the resurrection would be liars (v. 15);
4) no one would be redeemed from sin (v. 17);
5) all former believers would have perished (v. 18); and
6) Christians would be the most pitiable people on earth (v. 19).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (1 Co 15:13). Nashville: Word Pub.

"Firstfruits"

The firstfruits are the first ripened part of the harvest, furnishing actual evidence that the entire harvest is on the way. According to Lev. 23:4-14, the firstfruits in connection with the Passover were used to consecrate the coming harvest. Jesus died on the Passover, and His resurrection is a promise of our own resurrection.

Spirit filled life study Bible. 1997, c1991 (electronic ed.). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 - in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22

Commentary

The first man, Adam, transgressed God's law and brought sin and death into the world (Gen. 2:17; 3:19; Rom. 5:12-21); the second Man, Jesus Christ, was the perfect sacrifice to take away sin and to bring life and resurrection to those who believe in Him (Rom. 5:15-21 The principle here is similar to that in Rom. 5:18, 19, where Paul explains that by one man's (Adam's) sin many were made unrighteous, whereas by one Man's (Christ's) obedience many will be made righteous.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Co 15:21-22). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

Death comes to all because all have sinned (see Rom. 3:23). Condemned in Adam we can be redeemed in Christ. We remain profoundly affected by Adam's sin, having inherited a sinful nature from him.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Ro 5:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

1 Peter 1:3-4 - In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1:3-4

Commentary

Our salvation is grounded in God's mercy, His act of compassion toward us despite our condition of sinfulness. God has given believers a new, spiritual life that enables us to live in an entirely different dimension than the one our physical birth allowed. Hopehere (in this verse) does not imply a wishfulness but rather a dynamic confidence that does not end with this life but continues throughout eternity.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Pe 1:3). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

"Living Hope"

Men's hopes are dead hopes. Like cut flowers, they bloom awhile and then fade and die (1 Pet. 1:24-25). The Christian's hope is fresh and fruitful because it is a "living hope" (v. 3), purchased by the living Christ (v. 3) and promised in the living Word (v. 23).

Wiersbe, W. W. (1997, c1991). With the word Bible commentary (1 Pe 1:1). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

John 20:27-29 - Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My LORD and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

John 20:27-29

Commentary

Thomas rises from the lowest depths of doubt to the pinnacle of faith and declares, "My Lord [Jesus' familiar title] and my God [the title of His deity]." In essence he proclaims, "Yes, it is Jesus; and yes, He is God." For one who is steeped in a monotheistic tradition, the confession is remarkable. John's purpose, to demonstrate the deity of Christ, climaxes in this confession of Thomas. John affirms that, if unconvinced by His birth, life, works, and death, even a doubter like Thomas could find irrefutable proof of Christ's deity in His resurrection.

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Jn 20:28). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

"Doubting Thomas," the synonym for a skeptic, comes from the disciple Thomas, who didn't believe that the other disciples had seen Jesus alive after the Crucifixion (20:25).

Miller, S. M., & Gross, P. (1998). How to get into the Bible. Includes index. (312). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Luke 24:38-39 - Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself!

He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have."

Luke 24:38-39

Commentary

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ was a physical reality. When He "stood in the midst of them," the disciples were shocked, "terrified, and frightened" (v. 37). They thought Jesus was a ghost. Jesus read their hearts, and to prove Himself physically alive, He showed them His pierced hands and feet and invited them to "handle" and "see" Him (v. 39). Then He went one step further to dispel their unbelief by asking for and eating food-something no disembodied spirit could do (v. 41-43).

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Lk 24:36). Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Matthew 27:62-66 - "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how."

62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63"Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." 65"Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Now on the next day, the day after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate, 63 and said, "Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I am to rise again.' 64"Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, otherwise His disciples may come and steal Him away and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' and the last deception will be worse than the first." 65Pilate said to them, "You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how." 66 And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.

Matthew 27:62-66

Commentary

The chief priests and Pharisees were uneasy. Remembering what Jesus had said about rising again, they went to Pilate and asked for a special guard to be placed at the tomb. This was allegedly to prevent His disciples from stealing the body, thus creating the impression that He had risen.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mt 27:62). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Once the stone was in place, soft wax was poured over the crevice between the stone and the wall of the opening. The official Roman government seal was then pressed into the wax. The penalty for breaking the seal was death.

The Open Bible : New King James Version. 1998, c1997. Includes indexes. (electronic ed.) (Mt 27:66). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Mark 15:37-39 - With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Mark 15:37-39

Commentary

Jesus cried out with strength and triumph-then breathed His last. His death was an act of His will, not an involuntary collapse. At that moment, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This was an act of God indicating that by Christ's death, access into the sanctuary of God was henceforth the privilege of all believers (see Heb. 10:19-22). A great new era had been ushered in. It would be an era of nearness to God, not of distance from Him.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Mk 15:37). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

Frequently, crucifixion produced a coma or unconsciousness prior to death, but Jesus was in control of all His faculties until the moment when He voluntarily gave up His life (John 10:17, 18). He willingly laid down His life for us.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Mk 15:37). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Luke 22:20 - This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood."

Luke 22:20

Commentary

This cup is the new covenant: The wine of the Lord's Supper depicts the giving of life, a sacrifice of blood, which inaugurates the New Covenant for those who respond to Jesus' offer of salvation (Heb. 8:8, 13; 9:11-28). This is the strongest substitutionary image in the Gospel of Luke: Jesus died on the cross in our place and for our sins (Acts 20:28).

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Lk 22:20). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?

A testament is a covenant, a God-initiated and God-fulfilled arrangement that results in the reconciliation of people to Himself.

King James Version study Bible . 1997, c1988 (electronic ed.) (Lk 22:20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Luke 22:19 - This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

Luke 22:19

Commentary

The Lord Jesus instituted this sacred memorial so that His followers down through the centuries would thus remember Him in His death. He first of all gave them bread, a symbol of His body which would shortly be given for them.

MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. (1997, c1995). Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments (Lk 22:19). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?

The term the Lord's Supper is used only in 1 Corinthians 11:20. The practice is also known as Communion (from 1 Cor. 10:16), the Lord's Table (from 1 Cor. 10:21), and the Eucharist (from the Greek word for "giving thanks"; Luke 22:17, 19; 1 Cor. 11:24). The expression breaking of bread (Acts 2:42, 46; 20:7, 11) probably refers to receiving the Lord's Supper with a common meal known as the love feast (2 Pet. 2:13; Jude 12).

Hayford, J. W., & Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1995). Hayford's Bible handbook. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Luke 22:3-5 - And Judas went and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus

Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money.

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money.

And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve. And he went away and discussed with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them. They were glad and agreed to give him money.

Luke 22:3-5

Commentary

Judas was possessed by Satan himself. Satan evidently gained direct control over Judas on two occasions-once just before Judas arranged his betrayal with the chief priests, and again during the Last Supper (John 13:27), immediately before the betrayal was actually carried out.

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 22:3). Nashville: Word Pub.

Did you know?

Judas betrayed Jesus for says 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15), the price of a slave (Ex. 21:32).

MacArthur, J. J. (1997, c1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed.) (Lk 22:3). Nashville: Word Pub.

Matthew 21:12-13 - Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.'"

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. And He said to them, "It is written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER'; but you are making it a ROBBERS' DEN."

Matthew 21:12-13

Commentary

When people came to worship at the temple (under the Old Testament Law), they needed animal sacrifices, wood, oil, and other items. Stalls were set up at the temple to sell these necessities, but since these objects sold for temple currency, the people needed to exchange their money. The temple, designed as a house of prayer, had become a marketplace where money changing and bargaining took place.

Thomas Nelson, I. (1997, c1995). Woman's study Bible . (Mt 21:12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Did you know?
Roman coins and other forms of currency were deemed unacceptable for temple offerings because they contained pagan symbols on the coins.

Mark 11:9 - Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: "Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;

Mark 11:9

Commentary

This was the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday. The crowd recognized Jesus' lordship by repeating a messianic psalm (Ps. 118:25, 26). Hosanna means "save, we pray," or "save now."

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (Mk 11:8-11). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.

Did you know?
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem fulfilled the prophecy of Zech. 9:9. In entering by riding on a young donkey, Jesus demonstrated the true nature of His messiahship. Rather than making a royal or military entrance (which would accord with Jewish expectation), He comes peacefully, "having salvation" (Zech. 9:9).

Believer's Study Bible. 1997, c1995. C1991 Criswell Center for Biblical Studies. (electronic ed.) (Mk 11:7). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

When Christ returns in glory to establish His kingdom, He will make a royal military entrance, riding a white horse, not a donkey's colt. (Rev. 19:11).