The Message of the Donkey
As [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes … because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” from Luke 19:41-44
Jesus didn’t always do what people thought he should. In fact, on the day we call Palm Sunday, he rode humbly into town on a donkey. The people met him with palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” (John 12:13). But he didn’t immediately become Israel’s king and rid the nation of foreign oppressors.
A prophet had foretold that one day Israel’s king would come like this, but the people didn’t understand why he would ride a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). By coming this way, Jesus indicated that he came in peace. If he had ridden a warhorse into Jerusalem, it would have meant he came as a conqueror, as a king.
The Scriptures did prophesy that the coming Messiah/King would conquer, but first he would come as a Suffering Servant. Jesus Christ came the first time to suffer and die as the Passover Lamb, sacrificed to save us from our sins.
However, his story doesn’t end there. This was Jesus Christ’s First Coming. The Scriptures also prophesy his Second Coming. When he comes again, he’ll be riding a white horse as the victor, and he won’t be alone! “The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. … On his robe and on his thigh, he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords” (Revelation 19:14, 16).
Can we miss the moment of Jesus Christ’s coming to us? Perhaps we’ve gone to church, maybe even studied the Bible, but Jesus remains a character in a story to us. We may have read his fantastic story full of impressive teaching, miracles, casting out demons, and telling the storm to be calm.
But he’s part of our story too. He comes to each individual. He calls us to believe in him, to accept his death on the cross for our forgiveness. He comes humbly, offering peace and unwavering hope.
Recognize the voice you hear calling you and welcome him today—again, or for the first time.
Dig Deeper
Read the story of Palm Sunday in Luke 19:28-48. As you ponder this fulfillment of the promise of God, how does it give you hope for the rest of God’s many promises to us?
What is the promise given to Israel (Ephraim and Jerusalem) in Zechariah 9:9-13? What will be the extent of their king’s reign?
There are two white horses in Revelation. What does Satan’s counterfeit king, the rider of the first horse, do in Revelation 6:2? What is the name given the second rider in Revelation 19:14-21? What happens to all the enemies of God?
Nancy J. Baker