(4)
Without in a place where two ways met.--Each touch is characteristic of St. Mark, and implies personal observation on the part of his informant. The colt was at the door--outside, not inside, the court-yard; it was not at "a place," but at "
the place," as we speak of "
the cross-roads," where two ways met.
Verse 4. -
By the door without, in a place where two ways met (
ἐπὶ τοῦ ἀμφόδου) literally,
in the open street.
11:1-11 Christ's coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably, shows that he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies. This would encourage his disciples who were full of fear. Also, that he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings. But all marked his humiliation; and these matters teach us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of low estate. How ill it becomes Christians to take state, when Christ was so far from claiming it! They welcomed his person; Blessed is he that cometh, the He that should come, so often promised, so long expected; he comes in the name of the Lord. Let him have our best affections; he is a blessed Saviour, and brings blessings to us, and blessed be He that sent him. Praises be to our God, who is in the highest heavens, over all, God blessed for ever.
And they went their way,.... The two disciples went to the village, where Christ sent them, without objecting any difficulties that might present, in the execution of these orders:
and found the colt tied by the door without; in the street, fastened to the door of the owner's house, at the town's end:
in a place where two ways met; to go into and out of the village; at the corner house, where two ways met; so that the place was very public, and such an affair could not be transacted, without being seen:
and they loose him; as soon as ever they came to the place, they immediately began to untie the colt, and were going away with him.