Beast of Burden

Matthew 21:1-11 ~

As they all approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage. It was on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent out two disciples. He said to them, “Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey tied up. Her colt will be with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them. The owner will send them right away.”

This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would come true. It says,

“Say to the city of Zion,
    ‘See, your king comes to you.
He is gentle and riding on a donkey.
    He is riding on a donkey’s colt.’ ” (Zechariah 9:9)

The disciples went and did what Jesus told them to do. They brought the donkey and the colt. They placed their coats on them for Jesus to sit on. 

Whenever I read the Palm Sunday story of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem I have put myself in the character as one of the crowd. This morning I looked at it from the point of view of the young donkey who had never been ridden. It finds itself in the center of this scene of a large pushing crowd that is in a frenzy of excitement. The atmosphere would have been raucous with voices shouting, "Hosanna!" 

All eyes are turned to the donkey, but they aren't looking at him. They are looking at the precious cargo it is carrying. What an honor this colt has to carry the Messiah. As it slowly makes its way down the street, he may have been confused by the noise and perhaps fearful. It had been minding his own business when all of the sudden this man was sitting on him and riding down the street through a chaotic scene.

As I reflected on this, I was reminded of the similarities between us and that donkey. We also carry Christ within us, but just as it wasn't about the donkey, it's not about us. We are the vehicle that brings Jesus wherever we go but others' focus should be on Christ and not on our effort or achievement.

And yet, so often we do make it all about us. We get offended when others don't notice our efforts or our ministry. We want recognition or affirmation or accolades. We want to be properly thanked for our ministry. Our ministry for Christ can quickly become about us getting attention.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday today, we barely remember that little donkey other than a tiny part in the story. And yet, that unnoticed beast of burden played a huge role in carrying Christ through the streets of Jerusalem. As we carry Christ to those around us, we too have a part in His kingdom. It may be unnoticed and small, but it is huge in God's eyes. It is a vital part of this story that God has placed you in.

Bear Christ unobtrusively, but carry out your part in His story. Your story intertwines with His and is a vital part in His kingdom.