March 17, 2026 | Be Connected
Jesus Rides a Donkey into Jerusalem
Scripture: John 12:12-19(NIV)
12 The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 13 They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Blessed is the king of Israel!”
14 Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, as it is written:
15 “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion;
see, your king is coming,
seated on a donkey’s colt.”
16 At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him.
17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”
Devotional
I’m sure most people expected Jesus to strut into town on a powerful white steed, sword in one hand, reigns in the other, but lo…he chose to enter the Feast on a young donkey, a humble donkey, perfect for a humble king, palm branches and a peaceful ride.
The crowd came expecting a triumphant king. Shouting “Hosanna!” and “Blessed is the King of Israel!” many in the crowd came because they had heard that he raised Lazarus from the dead and wanted to see the miracle worker. They were primed not only for a triumphant king but someone who could do miracles. It must have been disappointing to see this king riding on a young donkey—hardly regal or stately. I’ve often wondered if it were more like a modern king riding in on a tricycle.
Meekness, humility and lowliness always accompany Jesus. The Bible had predicted (Zechariah 9:9) that he would be humble and even that he would choose to make his grand entrance at the Passover Feast on a donkey. “Do not be afraid, oh daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming seated on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:15). The disciples were not thinking of that verse at the time. It was not until after his resurrection that they realized these things had been written about him in the scriptures. They probably were a little embarrassed or at least confused about this underwhelming choice.
Jesus’ point in choosing a donkey instead of a powerful horse was to signal peace, not war.
I’m thankful our Messiah is a peaceful humble servant. And I have a much greater appreciation for donkeys than ever before!
