The Donkey That Jesus Rode
| You would expect a conquering king in ancient times to lead a procession on a prancing white steed. How incongruous that the Jews long awaited Messiah came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, the colt of an ass. In what is called “the triumphal entry” that is exactly what Jesus did. (Matthew 21) Those who knew the scriptures would know that the donkey that Jesus rode fulfilled ancient prophecy. Matthew pointed this fact out, “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet saying, ‘Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass and a colt the foal of an ass’” (Matthew 21:1-5). Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a direct fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 and Isaiah 62:11. |
You may wonder what is so triumphant about Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. First and foremost – Jesus’ kingdom is in the hearts and lives of His people. Christ is not a tyrant or a dictator. He comes to take up residence in the hearts of those who make Him Savior, Lord, and King. Jesus humbled himself, left the glories of heaven, was born of the Virgin Mary, took upon himself human flesh, and lived among us as the Son of Man. Jesus submitted himself to His heavenly Father’s plan of redemption. He went to the cross to die in our place and offered himself as a sin offering on the cross for our sins. (Isaiah 53) But on the third day Jesus arose bodily from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and the grave. Jesus proclaims His victory and shares His triumph with those who will submit their lives to His rule and reign. The Apostle John, exiled by Caesar to the Isle of Patmos, was given a vision of the risen King. “And his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, ‘Fear not. I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth and was dead and behold, I am alive for evermore, amen; and have the keys of hell and of death’” (Revelation 1:16-18).
The One who rode a donkey into Jerusalem is coming back again – this time riding on a white horse with the army of heaven with Him. Christ will rule this world with a “rod of iron” in justice and righteousness. (Revelation 19:11-16) He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Christ gives this promise to those who live overcoming lives, being faithful to their Lord. “To him that over cometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in His throne” (Revelation 3:21).
Jesus Christ invites you to be His subject and co-rule and reign with Him. But His reign is a reign of love. How can we come into this place of triumphant living with Christ? Let us look at the donkey that Jesus rode and His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. (Matthew 21)
First – HUMBLE was Jesus as he rode a donkey into Jerusalem. He fulfilled the prophecy. He was meek and humble although he was the creator and Lord of the universe. (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21; John 1) Jesus humbled himself and took upon himself the form of a servant. He showed us the way of humility and love. (Philippians 2:1-11) To reign with Christ we must humble ourselves and surrender to His reign in our hearts and lives. (James 4:6-10) God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Is Jesus the Lord of your life? “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9-10).
Second – OBEDIENCE is a mark of a loyal subject of Christ. The disciples obeyed Jesus’ instructions and brought the donkey for Jesus to sit on. (Matthew 21:2, 3, 6) Are you living in obedience to the Lord? (Matthew 7:21)
Third – GIVE YOUR GARMENTS to the Lord in exchange for His garments. The people took their garments and laid them in the path of Jesus as he rode on the donkey into Jerusalem. We exchange our stained garments of sin for His garment of righteousness. (Revelation 3:4-5; Matthew 22:11) The people and even children gave praise to the Son of David. The subjects of the kingdom give praise to the King. Isaiah prophesied that this King would give “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 613). Put on your garment of righteousness and praise. (Matthew 6:33; 21:16)
Fourth – THE CENTER OF YOUR HEART AND LIFE must be the Lord Jesus. “He was in the center of the procession” (Matthew 21:9 NLT). Jesus must be the center of your heart if you would live victoriously and rule and reign with Him. Before Jesus gave the promise to sit with Him in His throne (Revelation3:21) He gave this wonderful and amazing statement, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice and opens unto, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Is Jesus the center of your life? Open your heart to Him and let Him be seated as Lord and enjoy sweet fellowship and communion with the Lord who rides on a donkey but who is coming again on a white horse of triumph.
by: Cliff Sanders