All four of the gospels give some version of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem before the passion scenarios begin to play themselves out. While the basic thrust of the story presented by each gospel writer is the same, each narrative embellishes, tones down and picks up on different currents that ripple under the main flow of the outline. It is ironic and as such, ultimately helpful to Mark's presentation that this unit is listed under the heading "Jesus' Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem." In Mark, despite his characteristic attention to details and narrative nuances, Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem appears as neither truly "triumphal" nor clearly messianic.

Marks opens his story by describing a setting that has definite Old Testament roots. Zechariah 14 describes the coronation scene of Yahweh,…