Although we know this passage as the prelude to Palm Sunday (Mark 11:8-11), these disciples were living one day at a time.  Even though Jesus had told them three times about His forthcoming death (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33), they did not understand what was going to happen.  So, one day at a time, one instruction at a time, was enough.  The orders were clear and precise.  All they had to do was to do exactly what Jesus had told them, trusting that He always sees the next step in the plan.  The fact that they did not understand Jesus' plan or the purpose behind the request was irrelevant.

Jesus knew what He was going to do and instructed the disciples to follow the plan.  Looking back, we know about the triumphal entry into Jerusalem with all the symbolism of Zechariah 9:9 – but the disciples could not see it coming or its significance.  In a way they did not need to.  They simply had to be obedient.  What Jesus knew of in the village, without seeing, the two disciples would see when they stepped out in obedience to prove that Jesus' Word was true.  

Theft of an animal was a serious offence for the Jews (Exodus 22:1-4), so Jesus anticipated a challenge to the disciples who were to walk off with somebody else's donkey.  The simple response was to be, "The Lord needs it ...". It was by these direct words that all was explained.

The application of these verses is hardly rocket science for Christians.  If Jesus says it, then do it (Matthew 7:24)!  Yet the usual human arrogance to demand explanations at every point before we will move, is a huge hindrance to faith.  Such pride presumes that we have the knowledge to understand all the intricacies of the unknown future, and the wisdom to decide if God's instructions are right!  What folly!  Faith is not built on understanding the reason, but on trusting the Person.  Today's lessons in faith are learned well only if we take the Word of God as divine commands, and do them (Revelation 1:3).