The triumphal entry marks Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday, the Sunday preceding the crucifixion (palms symbolise holiness and goodness). The story of the triumphal entry is one of the few incidents in Jesus’s life recounted in all four Gospel accounts (Matthew 21:1-17; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-40; John 12:12-19). When we synthesize these accounts, it becomes evident that the triumphal entry was a significant event not only for the people of Jesus’ day but for Christians throughout history.
On that day, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of a borrowed donkey’s colt, one that had never been ridden before. No one knows for how long the donkey had been tied up, but it needed to be freed because Jesus intended to use it. There are two meaningful lessons we can learn from the donkey.
Firstly, we discover that Jesus had a plan for the donkey. We too are chosen to be used for His purposes. Before the donkey could fulfil its purpose, it had to be untied; it had to be released from its restraints. You and I also have a special God-ordained purpose, but before we can be used, we must be free from burdens that can hinder our service for God.
Some of us are tied to our possessions, to our comfortable way of life, to those “things” that we seem to value above almost everything else. We’re too busy for the Lord. Some of us are tethered to our possessions, our stuff and even our schedules. In order to be used by God, we need to be free from that. Some of us are tied up by unforgiveness. For many, self-pride prevents us from freeing ourselves from the chains of jealousy, resentment or intense dislike. We find it impossible to forgive those who have hurt us, severely limiting our ability to love all persons. Some of us are tied up by the burden of our sins. This is the very burden Jesus died to release us from. God’s Word assures us that we can be liberated from the weight of our sin: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Secondly, and for me most significantly, is that the donkey’s position made Jesus more visible. The donkey’s position of service made Jesus visible to the crowd. When we humble ourselves, Christ becomes more visible to others. Jesus did not choose the proud. Nothing about the donkey detracted from Jesus. Because Jesus was visible, a crowd was drawn. Jesus told us that when He is lifted up, He will draw all men unto Himself. Just as the donkey’s humble service and position made Jesus visible, let us ensure that our words, actions and lives reflect Christ’s presence, drawing others closer to Him through our every step.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the story of Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem make you think about your own role in God’s plan?
- Reflecting on the donkey’s journey from being tied up to being used by Jesus, what burdens do you need to let go of to fully serve God?
- How does the idea of being clothed in Christ align with your understanding of forgiveness and redemption in your own life?