Not just a ride on a donkey

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2011;%20John%2012&version=NIV


Today in John and in Mark we read about the Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. As you read, Jesus told his disciples where they would be able to find a donkey and had them bring it to him. He was riding upon that donkey when he entered Jerusalem. However, this wasn’t just a ride on a donkey into town. It was so much more…..

It marked him as king. Jesus didn’t just want a ride because he was tired, and he didn’t just have a preference for donkeys. He very purposefully chose to ride in on a donkey because of the significance it would have. The donkey was a traditional mount for kings and rulers in the ancient Near East. Jesus was therefore making an implicit claim to be the king of his people. In addition, the image of a king on a donkey meant to king came in peace.

It was a fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Zachariah 9:9 says, “See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” By riding into Jerusalem, Jesus knew he was fulfilling that prophecy. In Jewish literature and teaching, the image of a king on a donkey approaching Jerusalem was consistently understood to signify the arrival of the Messianic King, thus….

It was Jesus very purposefully offering himself up as the Messiah. He knew that in doing this he would provoke Jewish leaders to take action against him.

It was part of God’s perfect timing and plan because in entering when he did, Jesus was also offering himself up as the sacrificial lamb. The Passover lamb was always separated or set aside six days before Passover. Jesus entered Jerusalem 6 days before Passover, so in riding in to Jerusalem when he did, Jesus also is signifying that he is the Passover lamb.

It was a choice that was an act of obedience to God’s purpose and plan. As we’ve mentioned, Jesus knew that by riding in on a donkey, he was provoking the Jewish leaders and setting into motion events that would lead to the fulfillment of his purpose. He knew that while he entered triumphantly, agony awaited him. The important thing we must note here is that despite what he knew it would cost him, he chose to do the will of God.

It was a spirit-led choice. Jesus walked this earth as a man. His power and His knowledge came to him only through prayer and the Holy Spirit. Just like the Spirit led him into the dessert when he was tempted (Matt. 4:1), I believe that the Spirit prompted him to choose to enter Jerusalem on a donkey. I believe that he knew, ultimately, that this was an unfolding of God’s plan because he knew scripture, new the Messianic prophecies, and knew the significance in the culture of the choice to ride in on a donkey. I do not believe he knew how all the events would play out. Rather, just as the Spirit prompted him to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, I believe the Spirit revealed to him what would come next exactly when he needed to know. One reason I believe this is because it would have been too heavy for him to bear. While he had a vision of God’s purpose for him, Jesus had to walk in trust as His father put the plan into motion, knowing that God would give him what he needed at the perfect time. I pray that we might do the same.

Here's just a fun side-note. Jesus entered into Jerusalem, walking towards his death, on a donkey, as a king that would bring peace. But returns as Warrior-Messiah-King!

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True." - Rev. 19:11

Blessings precious friends, in the name of Jesus, our Faithful and True Victorious Warrior-Messiah-King!

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels