A Humble Donkey

 Mark 11:1-11, Philippians 2:5-11

In the time of Jesus the Romans ruled and when one of their emperors rode into a town there was quite a royal fanfare. They rode on golden chariots with beautiful white horses. However, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem in the Mark passage, which is now celebrated as Palm Sunday, he chose to ride on a humble donkey.

Jesus who is said in the Philippians passage to exist in the form of God – the ruler of the universe did not regard this equality with God as he rode into Jerusalem on a humble donkey. Jesus’ humility is stressed in Philippians 2 which tells how Christ emptied himself taking the form of a slave and became human. This humility continues as he became obedient to the point of death. Not any old death but a humiliating one on a cross.

In his entry into Jerusalem – no red carpet was laid out. The everyday people took what they had to lay a path for him – palms and their own cloaks spread out before him. They shout “hosanna” which means “God save us” but in a tone of praise and expectation. They acknowledge him who comes in the name of the Lord, the one who will bring the kingdom promised by their ancestor David. They expect it to be an overthrow of the Roman empire to bring God’s kingdom of freedom and peace to them. This kingdom, however, is not freedom from the Romans, but freedom from sin which Jesus will provide by his death for their sins on the cross. In this way he will bring peace with God by becoming a sacrifice for all their sins and will bring a new covenant of love.

Due to Christ’s work on the cross God has exalted him even more highly. It has given him a name above every other name, to which every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.

We are instructed to have this same humble mind that was in Christ Jesus. Do we choose to ride into our spiritual lives in fancy expensive cars or ride on royally decked horses or do we humble ourselves riding an everyday modest car or on an insignificant work horse or donkey in imitation of Christ. In this way, giving our praise to the one who taught us that emptying ourselves in this way can lead to our exaltation.

On Palm Sunday may we always remember the humble donkey Christ chose to ride into Jerusalem.

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