Why a donkey
“Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. ~ Mark 11:2
If you were planning the grand entrance of a King, what would you choose? A magnificent white horse? A royal chariot? Maybe even a parade with trumpets and banners? A donkey probably wouldn’t make anyone’s list. Yet that’s exactly what Jesus chose.
Someday Jesus will return to this world riding on a horse as the conquering King and rightful Ruler of the earth. You can read all about it in the book of Revelation. I’m not making it up. But in today’s reading, He entered Jerusalem riding on a young donkey. Why a donkey? What message was He sending on that first Palm Sunday?
A donkey was, and still is, a pack animal. It carries heavy loads. In Jesus’ day, donkeys pulled carts and transported people and supplies from place to place. It wasn’t a glamorous ride by any means. If anything, it was a picture of humility. During that time, a king would have entered a city in a grand procession, often riding a magnificent horse or traveling in an impressive carriage. Not on a lowly donkey that belonged to someone else.
Jesus was making a powerful statement. He was saying, “I come in peace. I have come to be your Savior. I have come to rescue people from the punishment of sin.” Many were hoping He would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel’s political freedom. Instead, He came to do something far greater. He came to change hearts.
His choice of transportation also revealed His heart. Jesus placed Himself on the same level as the people He came to save. Even though He was God in the flesh, He willingly humbled Himself and became one of us. He never used His position to elevate Himself above others. In fact, He most often referred to Himself as the Son of Man.
That’s quite a contrast to the world we live in today. We spend a lot of time trying to climb the ladder, gain recognition, and prove our point. Jesus chose the donkey. Apparently, heaven isn’t nearly as impressed with status as we often are.
His humble entrance into Jerusalem is still celebrated today because it demonstrated the very heart of God. It also gives us an example to follow.
In today’s world, and even here in America, we see constant hostility toward one another. It seems people are always ready for an argument, whether it’s politics, social media, the grocery store checkout line, and don’t forget who will be the greatest of all time.
There are certainly many opportunities to become angry or frustrated by the decisions made by governments, communities, and even people close to us. But hostility and condemnation aren’t the heart of God. Love, peace, gentleness, humility, and kindness are what God’s people should display.
Jesus never compromised truth, but He always demonstrated love. He wasn’t weak. He was strong enough to remain humble. Sometimes the greatest display of strength isn’t winning an argument. It’s choosing peace when you have every reason to fight.
Here are a few ways to begin living this out today:
- Start your day by asking the Lord to help you respond with humility instead of pride.
- Choose to listen before speaking, especially when you disagree with someone.
- Look for one opportunity today to serve someone without expecting recognition.
- Pray for people who frustrate you instead of criticizing them.
- Let your words bring peace into conversations rather than adding fuel to the fire.
- Remember that every person you meet is someone Jesus loves deeply.
Following Jesus isn’t always about making the biggest entrance. More often, it’s about faithfully serving others with a humble heart.
Today I want to encourage you to choose the path of humility, peace, and servant hearted love. Let the love of God lead your conversations, your attitudes, and your decisions. Walk into your home, workplace, school, or church ready to be a blessing instead of preparing for a battle. When you follow the example of Jesus, you’ll discover that humility isn’t weakness. It’s one of the greatest demonstrations of God’s strength working through your life. As you choose His way each day, you’ll point others to the Savior who first rode into Jerusalem on a humble donkey so that one day He could reign forever as the King of Kings.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 11:1-11
1 Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples;
2 and He said to them, “Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring it.
3 And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it,’ and immediately he will send it here.”
4 So they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it.
5 But some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the colt?”
6 And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go.
7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it.
8 And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!”
11 And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve.
Journal:
- In what situations do I find it most difficult to respond with humility instead of pride?
- Is there someone in my life who needs to experience God’s love through my attitude or actions this week?
- What practical step can I take today to bring peace into a difficult relationship or conversation?
- How does Jesus’ choice to ride a donkey change my understanding of true greatness?
- Where is God inviting me to serve quietly, even if no one else notices?
The Daily Dose 