They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.
Matthew 21: 7
Looking back to the memory of Palm Sunday this year, I found it a bit more special for some reason or another. The thing that was dwelling on my heart was the preparation and lead up to Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. A procession was emerging and the rulers would expect Jesus to arrive on a war horse. Instead, the disciples were instructed by Jesus to go into the village and bring the colt which would be tied up.
“Incidentally, if anyone asks you why you are removing the donkeys, just say the Lord needs them.”
Jesus already knew the donkey was there and they brought it to him. We now have the king of kings then, riding on a donkey! Hello?!?!
On an estate I worked at many years ago they had a donkey, his name was Michael. He was a lovely animal with such a placid nature, his own personality. Once he got to know you, he would let you climb on his back, but wouldn’t move in any direction at all. Donkeys get the name of being stubborn animals, but they are far from being that and have many characteristics in their favour. Unlike horses, donkeys aren't easily startled, but even when they are, they don't panic. They will stop to assess the situation, which is a mannerism that's commonly confused with stubbornness. This surefootedness paired with strength means they are able to carry up to twice their body weight and make them ideal “Beasts of Burden." These creatures are still used to this day for transporting goods in different parts of the world. Once they build up a relationship, they can be very protective to others and when a donkey bonds with a herd of sheep, cattle or goats, it will protect them as it would its own, keeping dangers and the like at bay.
Jesus knew what he was doing when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey for in the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace. Jesus riding the donkey into Jerusalem came in peace and was encouraged by the shouts of “Hosanna to the son of David” and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” as the crowd laid on the ground their palm branches and cloaks before Him. Mind you, crowds can be funny at times, they can change instantly. The same crowd who was shouting at the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, would be the same crowd that made their feelings known on Good Friday with shouts such as crucify Him.
If we could place ourselves in that crowd today, where would you be standing? Would you be taking part in the shouting and jeering, or standing back as an onlooker? Challenging thoughts, I’m sure. Lots of things happen in life that may set us on edge and we disagree with, but Jesus brings peace.
Tom Bonnar
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