On a donkey and a colt

On a donkey and a colt

Scripture:

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion,  ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna^] in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

Observation:-

Great excitement filled the air in Jerusalem, and there was deep sense of anticipation among the people. Their promised Messiah had arrived, and they began to dream of their King leading them to a great era of prosperity and fame after overthrowing the rule of the Roman government. Here was the man who fed 5,000, who healed the sick and cast out demons, who walked on water, and turned water to wine. Anything was possible for Him. He was the great Miracle Worker from Heaven, the one who claimed to be the  very Son of God. Even now, coming into Jerusalem, he was fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah which said “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal or a donkey.

Curiously, the other two accounts of Palm Sunday in Mark and Luke only list Jesus riding on one donkey, while Matthew lists the Lord as riding on both a donkey and a colt. Theologians surmise that the Lord physically rode on the unbroken colt, which was kept calm by the presence of its mother walking beside. Donkeys were traditionally very effective beasts of burden in those times, and very popular among the people as a mode of transportation. Most likely, the cloaks were placed on both mother donkey and colt as Jesus rode into Jerusalem triumphantly. The image of the Lord on a humble colt showed that He came in peace and gentleness, not for war.

The crowd rightfully shouted “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Hosanna to the Son of David!” The Son of David was a specific reference to Jesus as Messiah, the promised Savior who was prophesied to come and save the Jews. What they unfortunately did not realize was that His first coming was for spiritual salvation, and they would unwittingly participate in this by crucifying the Lord Himself in just a short while later.

Application

What stands out most about the triumphant entry is the humility of Jesus. Here was the Son of God, powerful and mighty, with thousands and thousands of holy angels at His immediate command. Yet He chose to come in humility and peace. This was His way, We too should resolve to live humble and peaceful lives in Him, not being quarrelsome or arrogant.

Also, the image of the colt and its mother show us the Lord’s love for us, like a mother for her child. In Old Testament law, the mother child relationship even among animals was considered sacred, A kid was not to be cooked in its mother’s milk. A bird was not to be captured together with its eggs. An animal was not to be slaughtered in the same day as its young. Even in nature, the Lord shows His love for us through the mother-child animal relationship. Let us appreciate His great love shown to us.

Remember to praise the Lord as the Son of David, our Messiah, our Savior. His great salvation for us is something that we should never take for granted. Be mindful and thankful for His gracious salvation day by day.

Prayer

We praise You, Lord Jesus, for showing us the way, in Your perfect humility and gentleness and peace. Help us too be likewise humble and gentle and peace-loving. We thank You, Lord for Your great love for us which is like a mother’s deep love for her child. We praise thee, Lord, for You are our Great Messiah, our wonderful Savior in whom we have precious salvation. Blessed be Your name O Lord. In Jesus name Amen!