Yesterday, the scripture in Matthew 20 confronted us with the question, “So, you want to be great?” The scripture today reinforced that in my mind with a graphic albeit coarse image. When Jesus – the King of kings – went into Jerusalem, lauded by the crowds, he was riding on the back of donkey – a lowly beast of burden.
Jesus had told the disciples to “go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” Matthew continues: “The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them” (Matthew 21.2-3, 6-7).
I know this represented the fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 62.11 and Zechariah 9.9) and indicated that Jesus was the expected messiah. I know that sometimes ancient rulers would ride on a donkey signifying times of peace. What struck me, however, were not these latent indicators of greatness; rather what struck me was the blatant picture of humbleness. Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey.
That prompted this prayer in me:
“Lord, I just want to be like that donkey and her colt: untied and brought to Jesus. May I then bear Jesus to a new place. May it be said of me, ‘The Lord needs him.’ And, Lord, may I be sent right away!
“Here I am, Lord Jesus! Ready to bear you to a new place of praise! You will receive all the attention, all the glory, all the praise. I only ask that I bear you and your good news. May I bring you to the awareness of a people looking for hope.”
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