Lowly And Riding On A Donkey

Lowly and Riding on a Donkey

In order to present themselves in all their power and splendor, ancient kings would ride into the cities they ruled over astride a stout, white stallion. But according to Zechariah, this is not how Israel’s coming Messiah-King will enter Jerusalem:

Look, your king is coming to you.

He is righteous and victorious,

yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—

riding on a donkey’s colt. (Zechariah 9:9)

Zechariah’s prophecy revealed unexpected qualities about the Messiah. He will not be a tyrant from another empire, but a people’s king, coming for their benefit. He will not arrive on a warrior steed to conquer or enslave them, but to free them and bring peace to them.

But still Israel looked for a great conquering military leader to come into Jerusalem with his armies to expunge the filthy Gentile Romans from the land. Even though they had the prophecy from Zechariah, they didn’t recognize—or perhaps did not want to recognize—what Jesus was saying about himself when he entered Jerusalem riding on a young borrowed donkey (Matthew 21:2-5; John 12:14-15).

Why did Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem in this way? Matthew explained, “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet” (Matthew 21:4, NIV), quoting Zechariah’s prophecy. Jesus was emerging from obscurity to make clear his claims as Messiah-King and as Savior. By arriving on a donkey instead of a warhorse, Jesus was saying, “I am not coming to slay you, but to serve you; not with sword but with salvation.”

The day is still to come when Jesus will enter Jerusalem on the most valiant white horse the world has ever seen (Revelation 19:11). His heart will not be burdened with the weight of offering himself as a sacrificial Lamb for lost sinners. That victory is forever won! At that time, he will come as a conquering King! The victorious processional parade into Jerusalem will find Jesus Christ riding atop a white horse, victorious in battle and riding with the full regalia of a mighty King’s majesty into the city of God.

You have come gently, my King, announcing the day of salvation, and still you hold the door open. But one day that door will close, and you will come swiftly to judge all those who have refused to bow.