Letting Go of the Command: A Journey of Obedience and Trust
"And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go." - Mark 11:6

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 11, we encounter an intriguing moment wherein Jesus commands His disciples to acquire a colt that had never been ridden. The verse, Mark 11:6, states, "And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go." This simple exchange unfolds a profound essence of obedience and the trust that lies within the Christian journey.
The context of this passage is noteworthy. Jesus was nearing the culmination of His earthly ministry, a time of great significance where every action held a deeper meaning and purpose. The disciples were sent on a specific mission, which was not merely about acquiring a physical object but was instead laden with theological implications and prophetic fulfillment. As they approached the owners of the colt, they were met with a choice: to obey the command of their Lord or to shrink back in doubt and hesitation.
As the disciples approached, it is essential to consider how their mindset played a role in how they responded. Jesus had instructed them on what to say when questioned about taking the colt, indicating His intimate knowledge of the situation. When they were asked why they were untying the colt, they replied exactly as they had been told: "The Lord hath need of him." This sentence profoundly resonates with the idea that the command came from authority; it was not merely an order but a divine request from the Savior Himself.
In our walk of faith, we often find ourselves in similar situations of being called to obey without fully understanding the greater picture. Much like the disciples, we may face the judgments or inquisitions of the world around us. The owners of the colt could have easily refused, questioning why the disciples felt they had the authority to take their property. However, how remarkable it is that they let them go! This is a dynamic example of surrender and recognizing the urgency of a divine need.
As believers, we must assess our reactions when we hear the commands of God. Are we ready to respond swiftly and confidently like the disciples? Or do we find ourselves hesitating, questioning, and providing excuses for why we cannot act? Our responses often reveal our faith and trust in God’s overarching plan—a plan that may not always align with our personal understanding of the moment.
Jesus modeled perfect obedience throughout His life, and this moment with the disciples reflects His authority and intentionality. The very essence of discipleship is found in Christ’s call to follow Him, which inherently suggests a relinquishment of our own agendas and the embracing of His. In letting go, both the owners of the colt and the disciples exhibit a willingness to participate in God’s plan, however modest their involvement might seem from a human perspective.
Additionally, this passage invites us to contemplate what it means to have our hearts open and willing to lose control. Letting something go means not determining the outcome but trusting that God will fulfill His purposes through our obedience. Therefore, as we meditate on Mark 11:6, let us ask ourselves: what are we being called to let go of in the name of Christ? Are there aspects of our lives where we are clinging too tightly, resisting the Lord’s command?
In conclusion, to follow Jesus is to embrace a life of continuous obedience. Our willingness to obey what He has commanded leads to the discovery of joy, purpose, and fulfillment within His divine will. As Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, the humble colt served a powerful purpose. So too can our simple acts of obedience unlock the miraculous potential of God’s plan in our lives. May we echo the disciples today, letting go when called, trusting that it is indeed the Lord who has need of us—however small or significant that calling may seem.
Want to reflect more on Mark 11:6?
Continue your spiritual journey with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, discover connections, and deepen your understanding.
Get Our Apps
Mark 11:6 Artwork
Mark 11:6 - "And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go."
"And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go." - Mark 11:6
Mark 6:11 Brush The Dust off your feet
Mark 6:11 Shake Off The Dust Under Your Feet
Mark 6:1-6
Mark 16:6-8
Mark 16:6-8
Mark 6:11 - "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."
Mark 6:6 - "And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching."
Mark 12:11 - "This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?"
Mark 16:6-8
african american mark 16:11
Mark 6:32 - "And they departed into a desert place by ship privately."
Mark 6:52 - "For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened."
Mark 6:9 - "But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats."
Mark 6:40 - "And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties."
Mark 11:19 - "And when even was come, he went out of the city."
Mark 6:42 - "And they did all eat, and were filled."
Mark 11:30 - "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me."
Mark 2:6 - "But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,"
Mark 6:12 - "And they went out, and preached that men should repent."
Mark 11:22 - "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God."
Mark 11:12 - "¶ And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:"
Mark 5:11 - "Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding."
Mark 11:20 - "¶ And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots."
Mark 6:43 - "And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes."
Mark 9:6 - "For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid."
Mark 11:10 - "Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest."
Mark 6:44 - "And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men."
Mark 6:15 - "Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets."