The week before Easter/Resurrection Sunday, we recall the moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey. With shouts of Hosanna! And Blessings! He rode into town on a carpet of palm fronds and cloaks.
Mark begins, “When they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and told them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here right away.’ ” So they went and found a colt outside in the street, tied by a door. They untied it, and some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They answered them just as Jesus had said; so they let them go.” (Mark 11:1–6, CSB)
Jesus could have walked into Jerusalem. He could have borrowed something grander to ride in on, like a horse or a camel. The symbolism is obvious and dripping with humility. The Gospel of Matthew connects this event with a prophecy. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; he is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9, CSB)
But why borrow a young donkey? Sure, there’s the prophecy and symbolism to consider. However, such an animal would have been beneficial for a traveling ministry to haul food and supplies. We often forget how poor Jesus was during those ministry years. Matthew records Jesus saying about himself, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:20, CSB) Or consider the feeding of the five thousand. “He asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” When they found out they said, “Five, and two fish.” (Mark 6:38, CSB) In other words, the cupboard was bare. And according to one account, the five loaves and two fish were donated by a young lad.
We often idolize our lack. It controls us and tricks us into inactivity. During Jesus’ three years of ministry, He and the disciples had what they needed at the right time. Education, money, equipment, and time are valuable resources that are often necessary in some form or another. But don’t let the lack of them stop you from serving others in Jesus’ name.
Why did Jesus borrow a donkey for His famous ride into Jerusalem? The easy answer is – He didn’t have one. Serve God where you are and with what you have, and He’ll take care of the rest. Put your faith in God alone. As the psalmist said, “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:1–3, CSB)
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