Jesus entered Jerusalem proclaimed as the expected Messiah whose coming fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, although Mark does not quote Zechariah 9:9 as Matthew does (Matthew 21 :4-5) in connection with how Jesus rode into the city on a colt.

The shouts of those with Jesus (11 :9-10) in which there were words from Psalm 118 :26 left no doubt that they thought he was about to proclaim the setting up of a new Davidic kingdom. But although he accepted the recognition of the people that he was the Messiah, Jesus did nothing to excite nationalistic fervour. He went to the Temple but did not stay there as it was late: he and the disciples went to Bethany, outside the city, for the night. During the Passover week, the city was crowded to capacity with pilgrims.