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3- PREPARATION TO ENTER JERUSALEM-
The next day, on the way to the city of Jerusalem, Jesus sent two of His
disciples with instructions to obtain a donkey with a young foal from a small
village ahead, known for the growth of fig trees near Jerusalem, called
Bethphage. The village was almost two miles out of the city, near the Mount
of Olives on the road to Jerusalem on the east side. These animals would be
tied up beside the road and the foal was to be His mount for His entry into
Jerusalem.
The foal
was a colt, not yet broken in for riding. They were kept in stalls and
watered as a natural part of rural life. In the warm climate of the Judean
wilderness, a donkey grew into a large sure-footed stately, sturdy beast. As
donkeys became more and more beasts of burden, carrying heavy loads only,
they began to be looked down upon and faster steeds took their place.
Donkeys had
been riding animals for leaders and the animal of the nobility. The donkey is
associated with the Davidic royalty and the chosen Son of David. A man’s
wealth was measured by the number he owned.
Kings and their officials and army officers mainly rode them.
Transport
that was fit for King David and his family, the donkey then was likened to a
limousine or Rolls Royce today. Rulers of peace rode donkeys. The colt of a
donkey symbolised humility of service and peace. The donkey didn’t have a
lowly status in that age as it has now, but it was the appropriate choice for
such a procession of great importance, especially the significance of Jesus‘
act.
Jesus was
going to proclaim the fulfilment of Scripture as the Messiah and the Son of
David as well as a peaceful approach to the city that had righteous
indignation. The image links the humble servant and the Royal Messiah,
fulfilling prophecy of the prophet Zechariah 9:9 and the prophecy of Isaiah
62:11.
Unused
animals were regarded especially suitable for hallowed principles. A
first-born colt was required religious rites by Law and was valuable enough
that it had to be redeemed through sacrifice of a lamb. Jesus purposed to
enter Jerusalem on a donkey rather than a horse, which was viewed at the time
an animal associated with war.
The disciples did as Jesus instructed them. The owners were probably admirers
of Jesus and asked why the two disciples were untying their animals and as
they repeated what Jesus had commanded to say that He needed them, claiming
His status as Israel’s Lord, they consented.
Borrowing an animal was not unusual or strange. A religious leader would
borrow property, an ancient custom, on a short-term lease. The animal was
suitable for sacred purposes. His authority by the owner’s of the colt had
been recognised. The mother donkey went with her offspring and followed
closely.
The two
disciples returned from their errand and brought the donkeys to Jesus and
covered the animals’ backs with their outer garments as Jesus sat upon the
colt. The spreading of coats was an act of royal homage.
The donkey was considered by the people down through the
writings of the prophets of God, the animal that God’s Messiah would ride
upon. Jesus was ready to approach the
city where He must die and was in complete control of the proceedings and
only God can control events that were about to happen in these last days of
His earthly life.
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