"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.’” Matthew 21: 1-5
~
As we delve into this historical account, we find Jesus, the Savior, approaching the gates of the ancient city. He rides not upon a majestic steed or a chariot of war, but upon a gentle donkey. The significance of this choice is profound, for it is a testament to his humility, gentleness, and the nature of his divine mission.
The donkey, a symbol of simplicity and humility, carries the King of Kings towards the heart of Jerusalem. The very act of choosing such a meek and unassuming animal speaks volumes about the character of Christ, whose reign is not characterized by worldly grandeur or earthly power, but by a spiritual Kingdom rooted in love, compassion, and service to humanity.
The crowd, thronging the streets and lining the path, wave palm branches and lay their cloaks on the ground before him, creating a carpet of reverence. Their jubilation is tangible, and their hearts are lifted in exultation as they recognize the arrival of the Messiah, the long-awaited fulfillment of prophecies. This is the victorious procession, but its triumph is not the triumph of a conquering hero in the traditional sense. Instead, it is the triumph of love over hate, of hope over despair, and of the Father’s plan over what the people understood at the time. It's a story of transformation, from the humble servant to the eternal King, where victory is celebrated throughout eternity.
to purchase a print of this painting, click here