Words from the Rock
Go over to the village across from you. You’ll find a donkey tethered there, her colt with her. Untie her and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you’re doing, say, “The Master needs them!” He will send them with you.
Matthew 21:2–3 Message
Not long before Jesus dies, he makes a historical ride into the city of Jerusalem. Now, remember that Jesus is the Son of God (the same God who created and rules the universe), and no mightier king has ever walked the earth. So how would a king of this magnitude enter the religious capital of the world? Nowadays an important ruler might arrive in a long motorcade of shiny limousines, escorted by security and motorcycle police. In Jesus’s time, a powerful king might arrive on a majestic white stallion, surrounded by his army, with trumpets and flags and fanfare.
Yet what does Jesus tell his disciples to bring for his ride into Jerusalem? A donkey. And not even a grown donkey, but the colt of a donkey. Now keep in mind that, according to some historians, Jesus was taller than average, which means his legs were probably rather long. Can you picture a tall man riding on the back of a juvenile donkey, with his feet literally dragging on the ground? Does that sound like the way royalty usually travels? But long ago, prophets had predicted this very thing—that their king would arrive on a donkey’s colt, and the people would recognize and welcome him. And they did.
Ironically, Jesus first entered the world as a helpless baby, born in a barn. Now he enters the city as a king riding on a baby donkey. Jesus arrives with an unexpected humility, yet he is the Son of God. For some reason this gets people’s attention—a man with the power of the universe at his disposal who doesn’t force his way.
Think about the quiet ways Jesus enters your life. Consider how you respond to his entrance. Do you welcome him?
My Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the way you humbly enter my life, and for the way you quietly change my heart when I welcome you in.
Amen.
Final Word
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Colossians 1:15 NIV
Stone for the Journey
Jesus makes a humble entrance with powerful results.