Donkey Ride

parking. Maybe you have had it before. The parking people are bringing the vehicles down, and

they are popping out saying, who’s the Mercedes? Who’s the BMW? Not, whose car is

the Volvo. We found ourselves saying, “Hey, I’m the Q30.” We are what we drive.

Who would want to say, “Hey, I’m the chevette.” I know some men who

not even drive their wives minivans because they don’t want to be

seen and characterized by that.

It’s more than status. It’s personality. Some kings drive stallions. Some drive chariots. Jesus, the king of

kings drive a donkey. A what? Yep. A donkey. Not only that, it fits him. This is who He is as our

king. Now I know some of you macho men may not want him as your friend. Not rough

enough. I would dare say he is stronger than us all. But, also more gracious that us

all. He was…

Strong enough to be weak; Busy enough to take time for the least significant of people; Serious enough to

laugh; Rich enough to be poor; Compassionate enough to discipline; Conservative enough to give

freely; Mature enough to be childlike; Righteous enough to love sinners; Important enough to

be last; Controlled enough to be flexible; Free enough to endure captivity;

knowledgeable enough to ask questions; Loving enough to be angry.

Great enough to be anonymous; Assured enough to be rejected;

Stable enough to cry; Victorious, enough to lose; Leading

enough to serve. He drives a donkey. What do you

drive? What image do you need to put forth?

He comes to us gentle because this is who He is as the Son of God. Why? His purpose was to show us

God’s grace.I recently read the story of a CEO who came to a new company. He immediately

called a staff meeting for the senior staff. They expected him to get down to business so

they came ready to answer hard questions and take the business by the tail. But, the

meeting started with him opening up his heart and telling them about his life

and family. Then in turn he asked them to share what was happening

in their lives. The first woman shared that the following week

her mother had died. When she began to tell about it,

the new CEO began to weep quietly.

When she was finished sharing, he went over to her and hugged her. The other senior staff were aghast. Not

only had they never seen a senior executive take an interest in their personal lives, but they had

never seen compassion shown in this way by a superior in their entire careers. He showed

them his heart, his inner spirit. This is what Jesus did when he rode in on a donkey.

We are told that he too wept as he rode in. As he crested the Mount of Olives

and could see the city in full view, he cried for the people, our of love

for them and the knowledge they did not receive His peace.

This is important to remember for us as we look at the city. I hear such attitudes and such harsh words

come from the mouths of those who claim to follow this king. But, he came gentle.

3. To Fulfill the Promises of God.

There is one other reason Jesus was presented, came into Jerusalem in this way.

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