The colt arrangement was likely a pre-arranged passphrase, not supernatural knowledge — Jesus had extensive prior contact in Bethany and could have sent someone ahead to arrange it.

Winger initially thought Jesus supernaturally knew the exact words would work, but now believes it was a deliberate pre-arranged plan. Jesus had been to Jerusalem and Bethany multiple times (other gospels confirm this). He likely sent someone ahead before Passover saying: "Have a donkey ready, one no one has ridden; I'll send disciples with a passphrase." Mark only records one Jerusalem trip to heighten the dramatic shift in Jesus' ministry, not because it was actually the only trip.