A VIEW FROM

A DONKEY.Reading: Matthew 21:1-11.

All four gospels give the account of the Triumphant Entry of Jesus

into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark

11:1-10; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-16).

Let us look at this day from the unique viewpoint of the donkey, but first, we must set the scene:

1. THE SAVIOUR IN THIS STORY. Jesus’ first entry will lead to so much, including His soon to come “re-entry”! His First Entry. His “Re-entry”1. Riding on a Colt. 1. Riding a Great White Horse.2. He Came Alone. 2. Saints & Angels.3. He wore A Crown of Thorns. 3. Will wear a Crown of Crowns.4. Called King of the Jews. 4. Will be King of Kings.5. Had no Money for Taxes. 5. He will own everything.6. He was Mocked & Jeered. 6. They will fear & Tremble.7. He came as a Man. 7. He will come as God.8. He was Meek & Lowly. 8. Will Come in Power & Glory.9. He had Nails in His hands. 9. He will have a Rod of Iron.10. He Hung on a Cross. 10. He will sit on a Throne.11. Judged in Pilate’s Hall. 11. He will be the Judge.12. He Came as the Lamb. 12. He will be the Lion.

2. THE SERVANTS IN THIS STORY. A. The Disciples.They fetched the donkey and colt, and proudly escorted the King of kings this day, but they would later forsake Him and flee! B. The Crowd.Many believers would have been present, but many would prove to be ‘fair weather friends’ by the end of the week. The Bible indicates that there were people who were ‘secret disciples’ or who ‘followed at a distance’ the Lord. And many today are genuinely saved, but follow in the same manner, especially when the atmosphere is not favourable!

3. THE SINNERS IN THIS STORY.The Donkey.

The young donkey represents all of us lowly sinners. So let us learn some lessons from the donkey:

1. First of all we find that Jesus had a plan for the donkey. In our lives He has a plan for each of us.Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” His plan for us is that we enter into a relationship of grace with God the Father. (John 3:16).

2. The second thing we need to realize is that the donkey was chosen to fulfil that plan. God’s word tells us that we too have been chosen to fulfil God’s plan.John 15:16 “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” We are chosen that we might be used for His purposes (Ephesians 2:10 “you are His workmanship”).

3. Verse 7 “They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them.” Here it says that the donkey wore new clothes. Garments were placed upon the donkey that Jesus might take His place upon the donkey. When we come to Christ we receive new garments of life. The Bible tells us that we are clothed in Christ.

4. We see that the donkey went where He was led. (It was unbroken!) Jesus has this

effect on all His creation! To be a part of the plan, the donkey had to go where he was

led. God does not always give us the route or even the destination; we must show our

love by following obediently.Genesis 22:2 “Then He said, “Take now your

son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him

there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

5. The donkey’s position of service made Jesus visible to the crowd. When we humble ourselves, Christ becomes more visible to others. Jesus did not

choose the proud mare. Nothing about the donkey took away from Jesus.

Because Jesus was visible, a crowd was drawn. Jesus told us that when He is lifted up He will draw all men unto

Himself.

Do you resemble the donkey?

1. He was tied. Many are hooked, victims of habit, bound by lifestyle.2. He was Untamed. “Never ridden” stubborn, rebellious in nature.3. He was outside. Many are “without Christ, God, Hope.” 4. He was at a Crossroads. “Two ways met” a place of decision.5. He was by the Door. Jesus is the door. 6. He was Untied. Jesus sets us free. 7. He was brought to Jesus. “And they brought the colt to Jesus.”8. He did not resist. “He sat upon him.”9. He was used for God’s glory. “Hosanna in the Highest.”10. He was submitted to the will of the Saviour. He rode him. 

CONCLUSION: To live as a donkey, you must recognize that God is requesting your presence, so that you might be used of Him. His plan for you is that you would let Him be Lord of your life. Jesus wants to make a triumphal entry into your LIFE, your home, will you take Him there?

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