For thousands of years people have been asking the question, “Who is Jesus?” Skeptics first began inquiring about Jesus’ identity during His earthly ministry. As He traveled from town to town performing miracles and fulfilling prophecy, many would ask, “Is He a profit or a teacher?” Even though Christ clearly stated He was the Son of God, some still questioned His identity and still do today.
The Passover is one among the many times our Lord’s authority was questioned. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the citizens cried out, “Who is this?” Everyone noticed His arrival. Some were moved with joy by His presence, while others stood in wonder. The Pharisee’s were filled with envy and indignation. Those who knew Jesus laid their garments and palm branches on the ground in His honor. However, scripture tells us that though He was the King of Glory, Jerusalem knew Him not.
It began early on Sunday morning as Jesus and His disciples walked a mile from Bethany toward the city of Jerusalem. As they neared the city, Jesus said to two of his disciplines, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tired there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.”
Most bible teachers claim that Jesus rode the donkey through town in order to fulfill the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, “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.”
Not only was prophecy fulfilled, but we also see an example of Christ’s all-encompassing knowledge when He revealed where the donkey could be found. More so, we also catch a glimpse of Christ power over every living thing as the untamed donkey yields to his destiny.
Donkeys, as well as their colts, were known as mean, stubborn creatures, and yet, having never been ridden before, this wild donkey submits to the authority of Christ. In doing so, the donkey testifies that Jesus is Lord. In this truth lies a very important insight. Within the heart of every living soul, whether man or beast, is the knowledge of God. He put that knowledge there Himself. “This is the Covenant that I will make with them. After those days, says the Lord; I will put My laws upon their heart and upon their mind I will write them.” (Hebrews 9:16)
God uses every opportunity to show His majesty. Evidence of His character is not only written on every heart and displayed in nature, but it’s found throughout scripture as well. One proof of Christ authority is found in the donkey’s humble obedience to the power of Jesus’ command. You see, even the donkey knew who He was. Some may pretend there is no God. They may deny His authority like the Pharisees did, but still, the Pharisees knew Him. The poor knew Him; the tax collector’s knew Him; His followers knew Him, and even the donkey knew… Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
If an untamed donkey can recognize the Glory of the Lord, so can we. It’s better to acknowledge Him now than latter; for there is a day coming when “every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.”
Deep within you know, just as the donkey knew, that Jesus longs to enter your heart and take His rightful place as Lord of your life. You can invite Him in by praying the prayer below and joining in the celebration that sings, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.”
Judy says
Micca, this is good, I just never thought about the donkey knowing!
DOakley says
Excellent, Micca! I had never looked at it that way. Thank you for this. I’ll never look at that passage the same again.
Kimberley Payne says
What a wonderful post. It gives new meaning to the story that I’ve never considered before.
Thanks for sharing!
Kimberley Payne