May 11, 2012 Get the Donkey

Get the Donkey Mark 11:1-3 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, 2 saying to them, ‘‘Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” THINK about these two things: Jesus has always walked in his ministry except for his boat rides on Galilee. Why ride a donkey now? And then this: Why does he instruct the disciple to take the donkey with the few words, “The Lord needs it and will bring it back shortly.” The answer to these questions is this: Jesus was saying to his followers and to Jerusalem, “The Messiah is here.” For thousands of years, Israel’s prophets had proclaimed the Messiah’s humble coming. For example the prophet Zechariah said, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zech 9:9) Jesus also shows his Messiaship in his “donkey directives”. In his all-knowing power, he tells the disciples where to find it and what to say when they take the animal. He knows that the words, “The Lord needs it.” will be enough for the people. Jesus’ purpose has transformed from seeking to save the lost to dieing to save the lost. He is drawing the line in the dirt to say, “The Messiah has come. Now it’s up to you to respond.” Pause and consider your response to the Messiah.