How Humble Are You?

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” (Matthew 21:1-5)

Many a mile the Lord Jesus traveled by foot–dusty roads, weary steps, and dirty feet were all His customary companions as He went about doing good. Seldom did He enjoy creature comforts. Jesus never made much of the things of this perishing world.

And yet, in our verses for today, as Jesus ventures towards suffering and death, He chooses to ride in triumph. Our Lord gives two of His disciples pristinely clear directives–even to the point of supplying them with a response to a question they would most assuredly be asked. Jesus, of course, had full knowledge of where His disciples would find the donkey and its colt. It is important to remember that when Jesus gives us marching orders, He will make the way clear and provide the supplies the need
–you can count on it! Nothing is too difficult for Him:

The prophecy Christ fulfills in the key passage for today is presented to us in Zechariah:

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)

Jesus Christ is our King. In Bible times, when a king arrived, he was typically met with great pomp and fanfare. The king arrived in the city as a conqueror, riding on a horse. Something magnificent was expected! Yet there was nothing of that here. Jesus comes gentle and riding on a donkey, even the colt of a donkey. In lieu of majesty, Christ’s glory appears in His meekness and humbleness. His temperament was mild and He was willing to suffer the greatest injuries and indignities for mankind’s cause. The Creator stooped, came down, and died for those He created–willingly. He was easily entreated, His government was lovingly gentle and mild, and His yoke easy. This all was all particularly evidenced by His humble appearance on a donkey, a creature used for service not for show, for burdens of not for battles–slow, sure, constant, steady, and safe.

Take It to Heart

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

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