He Chose a Donkey (Forty Days with Jesus – Day 35, Mar 29)

29 Mar He Chose a Donkey (Forty Days with Jesus – Day 35, Mar 29)

Read Matthew 21:1-11

Thought for the Day: Real power comes from real humility.

Imagine a triumphant globally-recognized hero was supposed to arrive in New York Harbor. Can you imagine what would happen? The entire international press would arrive with a commotion and impatiently wait for this hero to arrive in a naval vessel with an aerial escort. Every imaginable celebrity would be out looking for a photo-op and viral red carpet moment. But, then imagine that a rusty rowboat showed up with a quiet 30 year old guy wearing sandals talking about peace, love, grace, and forgiveness while challenging the idols of society. That’s what it would be like for Jesus to show up in 2021 the way He did on that first Palm Sunday.

He didn’t choose a chariot, He chose a donkey. While everyone expected Jesus to enter Jerusalem as a war hero, He instead asked His disciples to let Him borrow a donkey: “Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” That’s who Jesus is: He is humble.

How often do we find ourselves getting into trouble because we fail to choose the donkey? Thinking more of ourselves than we should, we choose the chariot or the war horse and then are surprised when things go sideways. During this season of Lent, let’s realize that Jesus could have chosen fame, influence, or power. He could have chosen to become an earthly king. But instead, He chose a donkey. Let’s go and do likewise.

Reflect & Pray – Am I willing to choose a donkey in my life? Where is Jesus leading me to simplify and choose humility? God, thank you for the example of Jesus. Please allow me to follow His example and choose a donkey!