A Donkey’s Colt

Zechariah 9:9

Driving along country roads far away from stop signs and red lights has always been enjoyable for our family. We lived in Texas for over 15 years, and on these outings, I would watch for the lone donkey grazing with a flock or herd in the pastures. Donkeys will protect the sheep or goats they have been raised with and are called guardian animals. They are commonly known as a beast of burden due to their ability to carry heavy loads and assist with farm work. 

In the Old Testament, the description of a person’s wealth often included the precise count of donkeys. They appear in many stories and are considered simple, humble animals of service and labor. Donkeys can carry loads up to 30 percent of their body weight. 

Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and went to the place which God had told him.

- Genesis 22:3 

In the New Testament Gospels, we read the account of Jesus’ ride on the back of a donkey. He had a purpose and an important message for the people of Jerusalem. On a memorable day, we call “Palm Sunday,” He fulfilled the prophetic words of Zechariah.

 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 

On that day, Jesus did not present Himself as a great military leader and king. He rode on the back of this simple animal to deliver a profound message to His disciples and the people participating in the Jerusalem parade. Jesus cared deeply about the spiritual needs in people's hearts and lives. He came as a humble servant-leader and offered peace for their souls. 

Zechariah’s message instructs people to rejoice greatly and shout out loud! Why rejoice? Because your king has arrived. He is righteous, and He offers the gift of salvation to each of us. 

How will people recognize Him when He comes? This One is humble, and He will ride on the back of a donkey’s colt. Those gathered in Jerusalem understood this presentation of Jesus – the righteous Messiah had come with the offer of salvation. 

Head to Heart 

The Lord chooses the simple and fashions the spectacular. He discerns our struggle and chaos, and He secures our peace. Jesus measures the depth of our spiritual poverty and extends eternal salvation. As followers of the humble and victorious King, it is our privilege and honor to respond with loud shouts of joy! Rejoice greatly! 

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