November 23 - The Donkey: If I Could Talk To The Animals

The Donkey: If I Could Talk To The Animals

“See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey.”  (Zechariah 9:9)

Have you ever heard the legend of the Christian donkeys? Many may or may not know that every donkey carries the markings of the cross on its back. Where it began, we can assume in the beginning as the donkey plays a significant role in Biblical history.   There is the story that has been told about the little donkey who Jesus' mounted on Palm Sunday.  It is said that a donkey carried Mary to Bethlehem and is also referred to as a Nativity Donkey and on the trip to Egypt. All with its famous “cross” markings.

The legend shares that the donkey had known what Jesus was about to go through with his trial and suffering. They say that seeing the tragic event of Jesus’ crucifixion, the donkey wished he had been able to carry the cross for Jesus, as he was the one who should carry such burdens. The donkey turned his back on the sight, but he could not leave Jesus whom he had carried, he wished to stay until all was over because of his love and loyalty.  In reward for the loyal and humble love of the donkey the Lord caused the shadow of the cross to fall across his back and the donkey has carried the cross ever since as a sign that the love of God and carries a reward for all to see. While a legend, the donkey marks a special time in history.

When Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem for the triumphal entry, He chose to do so on a donkey.  What a fascinating choice?  Yet, it wasn’t so unusual considering Zechariah’s prophecy 500 years early which would foretell of Christ’s coming.  To ride on a donkey signified coming in peace, this symbolic event served to reinforce what Jesus had told the people of Israel: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon a donkey, and upon a colt the foal of a donkey.”(Zechariah 9:9 KJV)

Zechariah is one of the most quoted Old Testament books in the New Testament.  Over 70 times it is quoted or there are allusions to it. Zechariah shows us Jesus in many aspects of his ministry:

• Zechariah’s prophecies speak of Jesus as king (9:9)
• Jesus as the stone (3:9; 10:4)
• Jesus as the slave sold for 30 pieces of silver (11:12)
• Jesus the smitten shepherd (13:7).
• Jesus as a wounded, crucified Savior (12:10)
• “They will look on me whom they have pierced”.
• Jesus the branch (3:8; 6:12)
• Jesus the glorious ruler (14:1-4,9,16,17)

Zechariah’s message to the people is a simple one.  Remember the past and return to the Lord.  In doing so, he clearly pointed to Christ with the portrayal of Christ’s Triumphal Entry being a key marker of who Christ was. In one way, this donkey was every other donkey. There was nothing physically unique or special about it. But this donkey was tied to God’s plan for the ages. This donkey was marked with a prophecy. 

The automakers and those who test their vehicles use dummies to simulate what happens to human beings like you and I during an automobile accident. They put these dummies through a battery of tests that determine what injuries a real person would suffer in various situations. At the conclusion of some of the commercials in which these dummies are the star, the phrase that we have all heard is uttered by one of these crashed up dummies, “You can learn a lot from a dummy.”

In the account of the Triumphant Entry, there is a key element that we often overlook. I realized that you really can learn a lot from a donkey. Today I want to take a look at the importance of the donkey and put forth some truths that apply to us.

1.  First of all we find that Jesus had a plan for the donkey. In our lives He has a plan for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11).
2.  The second thing we need to realize is that the donkey was chosen to fulfill that plan. God’s word tells us that we too have been chosen to fulfill God’s plan (John 15:16)
3.  Third, the donkey was given new clothes. Garments were placed upon the donkey that Jesus might take His place upon the donkey. When we come to Christ we receive new garments of life. The Bible tells us that we are clothed in Christ (Galatians 3:27)

4.  We see that the donkey went where He was led. To be a part of the plan, the donkey had to go where he was led. God does not always give us the route or even the destination...we must show our love by following obediently (Genesis 22:2)
5.  Lastly, the donkey’s position made Jesus more visible. The donkey’s position of service made Jesus visible to the crowd.

When we allow Jesus to be more visible in our lives we will see the responses of the people in this account. The mark of the cross on the donkey should challenge us to wear the mark of the cross in our hearts.  As Jesus said, “If He be lifted up, He will draw men unto Himself.”

Terry Risser

Reflections:

1)   What of the donkey can you most identify?

2)   How does God use the mundane to humble the wise?

Consider reading the Word today:

Copyright 2014- Terry Risser