A Donkey Tale

This Sunday is Palm Sunday. And as we reflect on Jesus and the events of that day, I want to share a tale of a donkey. Which is, of course, better than the tail of a donkey.

As you know, Palm Sunday is the beginning of "holy week," and commemorates the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem on his way to the cross. There was plenty of excitement and anticipation as Jesus rode into the capital city on the back of a donkey in an impromptu parade. The crowd put their coats on the ground and waved palm branches in the air, as they sang and shouted, welcoming their deliverer: "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they shouted. "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

It was a most triumphant entry, and the beginnings of the coronation of a new king!

The gospel accounts tell us that before entering Jerusalem Jesus had His disciples go into the village, where they would find a donkey tied up there, with her colt beside her. They were to untie them and bring them to Him, and if anyone questioned them, they were to say, "The Lord needs them." (Matthew 21:1-3)

That seems like such a seemingly insignificant part of the story, except that it fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy from Zechariah 9: "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." We don't know much about that donkey, or its colt, except that it had one bright day in the spotlight, whether it realized it or not.

I have always appreciated donkeys, perhaps because I can relate to them in so many ways. Even the Old Testament story of Balaam, to whom the Lord spoke through his own donkey, has been an encouragement to me in ministry. If the Lord can speak through one donkey, then maybe I have a chance.

But in this case, I try to imagine seeing that first Palm Sunday from the donkey's point of view. One minute it was tied up, with its colt, and the next minute it was a part of a loud and celebratory parade. I can imagine that donkey never saw that whole day coming.

And from the donkey's perspective, how special was it that Jesus chose that very donkey for its parade ride into Jerusalem. When you are an animal that it always the "butt" of a joke, it's nice to have someone pick you over everyone else. And instead of being seen as just stubborn and mean, that donkey could now consider itself special and chosen by the Master. That sure does a lot for a donkey's esteem.

Also, imagine how that donkey felt that Jesus used it for His purpose. The donkey was available, and Jesus gave it a part in the greatest story ever told. For one brief shining moment, it carried the King of Kings and Lord of lords on its back. It sure gives your life meaning when you are used by the Lord for His kingdom purposes.

Certainly, few people noticed the donkey in the midst of all the hosannas and the waving of palm branches. There was no doubt who it was they were welcoming, and it wasn't a common donkey. It was the uncommon and promised Messiah upon its back. But just as they overlooked the donkey and the important prophetic part it played, many also overlooked the Scriptures that were being fulfilled. For that glorious King who road on its back was not a political figure. He was not riding into Jerusalem to overthrow Rome. He was riding into Jerusalem to go to the cross. So many of those in the crowd misunderstood.

Tradition tells us that a conquering king would enter a town on the back of a horse, but one who came in peace would ride a donkey. So even Jesus' choice of the donkey was a message, that the King of kings and the Lord of lords came into Jerusalem as the Prince of Peace. He was on his way to die for the sins of the world, to give His life as a substitutionary atonement for sin. Even the donkey pointed to the cross.

Though I have made a donkey of myself more times than I can count, I can be grateful this Easter season that in His grace, Jesus chose me anyway. And, by His sovereign will, He chooses to use me in His kingdom. And the same goes for you. Let us not forget that Jesus' entry into Jerusalem that day on the back of that donkey was one of the most important journeys in the history of humanity. It was the beginning of an eventful week that would lead Jesus to the cross, where He ultimately redeemed us from our sins. 

May the lessons of the donkey, and the realities of what followed Palm Sunday that week, lead us to trust in Jesus all the more this season. I am praying for you, and I can't wait to see you Sunday.

  --Pastor Ken