Journey To The ResurrectionSample

Why did Jesus choose to ride a donkey into Jerusalem? 

No king had ridden such an animal into the Holy City for a thousand years. Zechariah 9 predicted 567 years earlier that the Messiah would come in just such a manner. The Jews universally regard this prophecy as Messianic. The Jewish Talmud speaks several times of the Messiah coming on a donkey. 

Earlier, Jesus had "warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ" (Matthew 16:20), but now the time had come to reveal Himself. And a donkey was the best way to do that.

But why? Why did the Lord inspire the prophet to predict such a "motorcade" for the Promised One of Israel? Leaders rode chariots or war horses if they meant to conquer a city. They rode a donkey if they came in peace. 

Jesus came "gentle and riding on a donkey" (Matthew 21:5), as the Passover Lamb to the slaughter. According to Exodus 12:3, Palm Sunday was the very day when the Passover lamb was to be chosen. He used the lowly donkey to assume the role of a sacrificial lamb, for us.

The donkey He chose was a common animal, not one of great breeding or superior stock. His choice is analogous to rounding up a stray to take to the Westminster Dog Show. 

But the next time Jesus rides an animal, things will be different: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. . . . The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth came a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:11–16).

We can ask Jesus to forgive our sins and be our Savior, welcoming Him on His donkey as our sacrificial lamb. Or we can refuse and face Him on His white horse as our conquering Lord. 

He'll ride the animal you choose.