God used an “inexperienced” donkey for Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It comes as no surprise that He can use you and me to do great things for Him.
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem marks the beginning of a sequence of events that led to His crucifixion. This entry into the Holy City was to be the first public acknowledgment of Jesus as the Messiah and therefore, highly significant. Strangely, Jesus chose to enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
Jesus told His disciples, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?‘ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’
A lowly donkey was a rare choice for a grand spectacular entry. Nevertheless, it was all in accordance with God’s plan. In fact, Prophet Zechariah had foretold the Messiah riding on the foal of a donkey about 550 years ago.
The donkey served God’s purpose during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. I would like us to consider few things that made this donkey fit for the Master’s use, which will qualify us for service to the King of Kings.
Chosen for the Master’s use
Firstly, this donkey was chosen. Jesus said, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once, you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her.” (vv. 1-3). Jesus seems to have chosen this specific donkey. Moreover, this donkey was chosen prophetically about 550 years ago.
Similarly, God has chosen us too. Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16). Paul said, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). We need to respond to God’s calling and faithfully serve in whichever way He chooses to use us.
Consecrated for the Master’s service
Second, the donkey was consecrated. It was specially preserved for this royal task. Jesus said, “you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden.” (v.2). Similarly, Paul said, “If a man cleanses himself from [wickedness], he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21). Let us preserve our time and energy to devote ourselves to the ministry of Jesus.
Special preparations were made to get the donkey ready to serve Jesus’s entry into the City. The people placed their cloaks on the donkey and the colt (v. 7) before Jesus sat on it. God chooses us to serve Him. But, we must prepare ourselves for this glorious task. Paul encourages us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1)
Moreover, Apostle Paul exhorts us to do our absolute best to present ourselves as “approved” before God (2 Timothy 2:15). We must do our best to be “approved” so that we need not be ashamed. As people in God’s service, we must prepare ourselves to “correctly handle” the word of Truth. Let us then focus on the Word of God and make the necessary preparation so that the Holy Spirit can use us.
Content to serve the Master’s purpose
Third, the donkey was content to be at the Master’s service. The donkey did not resist being used by the Lord. The donkey happily presented itself before Jesus and gave Him a gentle ride even amid the crowd. It did nothing to draw attention to itself. It was content to “lift up” Jesus higher.
God used an “inexperienced” donkey for Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It comes as no surprise that God can use you and me to do great things for Him. As we enter the Holy Week, let us remember that we are chosen and consecrated and be content while we prepare ourselves for the Kingdom of God.
www.LumoProject.com / LUMO Photo taken from www.freebibleimages.org
