Picking the best airline or rental car is crucial for any travel venture. It is especially important when our trips involve impactful missions or crucial meetings. But on his most important journey, Jesus chose the a humble mode of transportion: a donkey.
Mark 11:1-3: “And said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it..”
Lord Needs It
Jesus sends two disciples to get him a colt to ride into Jerusalem. Interestingly, this is the only time the words “The Lord has need of it” is mentioned in the Bible. God, all-powerful and lacking nothing, at times invites us to join Him in performing miracles. Similar to the boy sharing his lunch with Jesus, or the people whom Jesus asked to take away the stone from Lazarus’ tomb, God may involve us in these moments.
Reason for the Donkey Ride
So why did Jesus choose a donkey? Let’s explore some of the reasons:
- Perfector of Past Prophecy: About 500 years prior to this event, Zechariah had prophecied this: “Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9).
- Perfect Servant: Gospel of Mark portrays Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Jesus rides a borrowed donkey, similar to Him borrowing Peter’s boat for preaching, and later borrowing Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb for burial. He chose the donkey to emphasize that he connects with the poor and oppressed. What a humble Savior we have!
- Perfect Peacemaker: In the Old Testament, kings used to arrive on donkeys in order to signify that they come in peace. Horses were used in wars, and as decorated animals to signify a victory in a war. So this lowly donkey was indeed the right choice for the Master who came to give us peace with God!
- Perfector of Future Prophecy: Jesus came on a donkey in his first coming because it wasn’t yet time to come on a horse. Revelation Chapter 19 shows Jesus riding triumphantly on a white horse.
Unqualified Yet Untied
This donkey would be the least likely choice if Jesus tasked his disciples with finding the best one for him to ride. Training a new colt to ride is a long process. This colt did not have the training or experience that was needed to carry the King of Kings into a Triumphant entry. Moreover, it wasn’t in the same village, making it unlikely to be discovered. But the Master knew exactly which animal he has chosen and his instructions was : Untie him!
Glory to God Alone
This humble donkey, whose name, town, and owners remain unknown, received no recognition for its work. When chosen by God for a task, we should ensure all glory goes to Him.
Life Application
If Jesus used this lowly animal to carry Him, He certainly can use you! If the enemy convinced you that you are indeed an inferior, remember that the Master knew the one that was inexperienced, outside and tied up!
1 Corinthians 1:27 says: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;” His Word is everlasting and His promises are unchanging. So, you too can have hope, if you choose to trust Him and make yourselves available for Him!
Dew Drops of Manna 
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