One could recoil from this thought if he did not stop to think about it. If he stopped to read the eleventh chapter of the book of Mark, he would not be surprised. Here in this chapter, we are told of the Lord’s instruction to two of His disciples. They are to go into the village and there acquire a colt. That colt is to be one that had not been ridden by man. This becomes the means of transportation for our Lord as He will descend into Jerusalem.
As one surveys that scene, He will learn some very valuable lessons if he will stop to think. As he sees divinity on a donkey, some things are bound to come into focus.
I. THERE IS THE HUMILITY OF OUR LORD
Jesus did not demand a horse or stallion but a colt. His saddle will be the garments of those who followed Him. They will cast other garments in His path with the branches from the trees. They will go before Him crying, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9). Just think of it, our Lord coming into the city riding a lowly beast. Just think of it. He has indeed given up so much to try to reach the hearts of men and now this. He does not come demanding a pompous parade but takes a lowly position. Just think of those disciples who were thinking about who was to be considered greatest in the kingdom of God. They thought greatness was related only to position, but they could have learned so much if they had only paid more attention to the Lord. So can we.
II. THERE IS THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS
Did you notice when you read this chapter that this was a colt “whereon never man sat.” Anybody knows such an animal may be difficult to ride. If we were going to select one for such an occasion, we would surely want to be sure he had been trained and was known to be gentle. But the Lord of heaven and earth is in control. Here is one who controls even the winds and the waves.
Wouldn’t it have been a wonderful thing if those scribes and Pharisees had responded to His authority in like manner? Suppose they had allowed themselves to be controlled by the same Lord?
II. THERE IS ALSO THE PITY OF JESUS
If you take the time to read Luke’s account of this event you will see that he says, “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it” (Luke 19:41). Here is one who could see that which others could not see. He could feel what others would not feel. He saw a city that had turned its back on God and His ways. They were about to put the Son of God to death. What a mistake and Jesus knew it. Yes, He would suffer, but He would also pray for these foolish people who would not know what they were doing. Those things brought forth the pity of Jesus.
Yes, I believe there are some lessons a man can learn from the record that shows our Lord on a donkey.
-J. Winfred Clark
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