Jesus sent two disciples saying… “Go to the village…and you will find a donkey tied there… Matthew 21:1-2
Nathaniel nudged Andrew. “He’s getting ready to do something big,” he whispered. “He’s been hinting at it all week. We’re almost to Jerusalem. That’s where it will happen, I just know it. And we’re gonna be in on it!” Andrew nodded, his eyes on the Rabbi. “Yeah, He might be taking over the palace or maybe the temple…” His hand slipped to his side where the reassuring cold of metal met his fingertips. “You remember how violent He got with those moneychangers? Whoa, this is gonna be good! Is your spear sharp—” His words were cut off as Jesus pointed to them both. “I need you to get me a donkey.”
Andrew’s hand fell away from his spear and he darted a look at his companions. They knew what a donkey meant. In ancient Middle Eastern culture, leaders rode war horses when they came to conquer, but sat upon donkeys when they came in peace. By choosing to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus was openly declaring Himself a King who had come in peace. There would be no more double-speak, vague innuendos, or hidden messages. Jesus was ripping the veil of secrecy from His mission. He had come to conquer, but not in the way that men conquered other men. He would do it through humility and sacrifice. The donkey was a way of publicly announcing that the old ways were gone and a new kingdom had come.
In God’s new kingdom, humility trumps pride,
peace trumps violence,
and service trumps entitlement.
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