What a Difference a Donkey Makes

We know from Matthew that when Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem that he was fulfilling a prophecy. But have you ever given it much thought?

Can you imagine Jesus sitting on a foal of a donkey? And, in case you didn't realize it, a foal is less than a year old and has never been ridden. Jesus being the Son of God knew the foal would carry him, but as a bystander I have to marvel at the sight of it.

Here's a young animal who has the coats of more than one man thrown on its back. Then a full-grown man gets on top of the coats. That's quite a feat for a first ride. But it doesn't stop there. This young animal has to carry the man and the coats down the hill to Jerusalem. And because things weren't interesting enough already. He must navigate the roadway that is being covered by slippery coats and palm branches.

That would get my attention if I had been there. Then to realize, hey, this guy is succeeding in doing what the prophet Zechariah told us would happen.  And, isn't he the same guy who raised Lazarus from the dead a couple weeks ago? I would have joined the crowd. I would have shouted for him. I mean if he can raise a dead man and make a little donkey carry him down a hill without falling then he can overtake the Roman government. Right? He has to be the Son of David! Hosanna!

Here's a sneaky angle to think about. In the New Testament period, riding in on a horse meant there was a military presence to contend with. Jesus wasn't delivering a threatening message. He came on the foal of a donkey to bring a message of peace. Zechariah simply foretold what would happen, not why.