The reason why Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem.
Entering Jerusalem on a donkey was no accident, or just a mode of transport. It was a willful act that was in accord with prophecy, that He would reveal himself as the promised Messiah, and that He would prove to be a type of King.
1. To accomplish Bible Prophecy
The prophet Zechariah predicted that Jesus' King would come into Jerusalem on a donkey a hundred of years before Jesus was born.
Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)
Rejoice, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation, lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon the foal of an ass.
Jesus came to Jerusalem on a donkey, making a public statement that He was the anticipated Messiah.
2. To demonstrate He was a King of Peace
In ancient times:
The king on horseback typically brought war and conquest.
A king riding a donkey came in peace.
Jesus comes not as an army bearer but to overthrow with a different weapon. He came to reconcile God and man by His death on the cross.
John 14:27 (KJV)
The peace I give you, I give to you I say, "My own I leave with you.My peace I give unto you I say, "My own I give you.
His kingdom is not of blood, but of love, humility and salvation.
3. To Demonstrate Humility
Although Jesus is the King of kings, He chose the humble path.
Philippians 2:8 (KJV)
Who, when he was found in the likeness of a servant, made Himself to be sin for us, who know not man, for us, who are sinners; for in Him was the sin that was suffered in our body, who was made sin for us who were not sin;
His service to the people was evidenced by Him riding a donkey.The donkey symbolized His servant's heart. He did not come to be served, but to serve.
4. To make known to the world that He is the Messiah
In many instances during Jesus's ministry he told others not to tell anyone about His miracles until His time had come.
Then, on the eve of Passover, He was coming into Jerusalem openly before thousands of people, so that they might recognize Him as the promised King.
It is called The Triumphal Entry.
5. When they came to him, they greeted him as though He were the king.
When Jesus came into Jerusalem, the people spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, and started to praise Him.
Matthew 21:9 (KJV)
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
Hosanna is the Hebrew word that means either "Save us now" or "Please save us.
Many had hoped that Jesus would be a political king that would be the one to liberate Israel from the Roman government. Rather, He was sent to save people from sin.
6. The Donkey was a symbol of Peace and Service.
The donkey was no sign of weakness.
Donkeys were also the mode of transportation for judges, princes, and even kings in the Old Testament as a symbol of peaceful leadership and humility.
Jesus selected the image of a servant King not a conquering warrior.
7. The people had expected one kind of king and God has sent another.
There were many who wanted Jesus to:
* Defeat the Romans.
Restore Israel's political kingdom.
The Lord will rule from his throne, the one in earthly splendor.
Rather, Jesus was born for:
* Defeat sin.
* Conquer death.
* Bring forgiveness.
Set up God's everlasting Kingdom.
Many in the crowd shouted “Crucify Him!” just a few days after shouting “Hosanna!” because He didn't live up to their political expectations.
The lessons to take away are as follows.
1. Jesus is the Promised Messiah
He went to Jerusalem, and he brought to pass what God had promised centuries ago.
2. The greatest of all things is to be humble.
Jesus demonstrates that power is not the key to greatness, but rather service.
3. God's Kingdom Is Different
Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, it's of truth, righteousness, peace and love.
4. Adore Jesus as He is
When Jesus met their expectations, the crowd praised Him; when He did not meet their expectations, they were against Him. We are to follow Him in all the seasons faithfully.
Key Bible Passages
* Zechariah 9:9
* Matthew 21:1–11
* Mark 11:1–11
* Luke 19:28–44
* John 12:12–19
* Philippians 2:5–11
Conclusion
Jesus came into Jerusalem on a donkey to fulfill the prophecy, to show Himself to be the promised Messiah, and to prove that His kingdom is a kingdom of peace, humility and salvation. Many people were anticipating a warrior king on a horse, but God sent a humble Savior, who would defeat not nations, but sin and death through the sacrifice on the cross. The Triumphal Entry reminds us that Jesus is the King who came to serve, save, and reign for ever.
