I’ve always had a soft spot for donkeys. It likely stems from a giant stuffed donkey I had as a small child. Donkey-Burro was nearly as tall as I was and a constant companion.
Donkeys and I have an affinity. I have never met one that didn’t like me. If there is more than one person around, the burros seem drawn to me.
I remember one occasion in South Africa. The place we stayed had a donkey that I visited. Each time Kathy drew near, the donkey got between Kathy and me, moving her away so it could have my exclusive attention.
Donkeys (or asses, in some older translations) appear in several places in the Scriptures. They are shown as beasts of burden, the mouthpieces of God (Balaam’s donkey), symbols of wealth (see Job), and symbols of peace. It’s the latter I want to touch on this morning.
A donkey is used prophetically to symbolize the coming of the King of Peace.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Zechariah 9:9 ESV
We know from the gospels that this prophecy was fulfilled.
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then 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.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Matthew 21:1-7 ESV
The Jews were expecting a conquering, military messiah. That sort of king would ride in on a stallion, symbolizing wealth and military might.
Instead, Jesus rode in on the donkey, a humble beast. He shattered their expectations and showed that He would be a different sort of king. He was a King of Peace, changing things by winning hearts and souls, not crushing them under His feet.
There will be a return at the final judgment when all things are weighed and all of His enemies banished, a time when justice reigns perfectly and supremely, and a time where love conquers all.
The humble beast brought the victor into Jerusalem that day. His ways are not our ways, and for that we can rejoice.
The next time you see a donkey, remember the humble King of Kings and praise His name.
Kevin
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