Jesus and his disciples were heading to Jerusalem for Passover. During a stop in Bethany, though his friends warned him not to go, Jesus made plans for entering Jerusalem. He sent two of his disciples to fetch a donkey to ride. What? The king is going to ride a donkey?

Few of us will watch a donkey and think, “Hmmm … that’s a ride fit for a king.” In fact, though, donkeys are the ride of the kings.

Why a donkey instead of a horse? A horse is a symbol of power. The donkey not so much. Because of their quiet, humble appearance, a donkey has over the ages become a symbol of peace.

The Gospels tell us Jesus sent his disciples into the village of Bethpage to find the animal he was to ride. He knew where this colt would be tied up. Jesus was even prepared for the disciples to be questioned: “If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately’” (Mark 11:3). They followed Jesus’s instructions, and they were allowed to leave with donkey in tow (Mark 11:6).

This simple encounter shows us the way of a donkey may be something to consider in our lives. Maybe we should enter emulating the donkey.

•  The donkey was tied up and needed to be released to serve. Each of us desires to serve God. Far too often we are tied to work, leisure, friends, and much more the world tells us is important. We also may need to be untied from burdens, guilt, cares, addictions, even devices. When we allow the Holy Spirit to untie us, we are free to serve.

Do we need to be untied?

•  No one argued with the disciples after they repeated Jesus’s words. Have you ever argued with God? I have. Surely, Lord, you don’t understand. When God speaks, we need to listen, then follow peacefully without question.

Do we go in peace?

•   Donkeys are cautious creatures. They don’t go where they sense danger. This colt showed no sign of fear. She followed. She trusted. She had no hint of stubbornness. The colt followed with trust.

Do we trust Jesus even when we don’t know what to expect?

•   This donkey, the least of the least, was not showy, didn’t stand out from the crowd. The little one just went about the assigned task. Ouch. We don’t mean to. We don’t consciously seek attention or accolades. But, let’s be honest, we do like it when our service is noticed.

Are we humble in our service?

• Jesus gave us an example to be humble in our service, trusting God to lead and provide just what we need.

Soon we’ll be rejoicing at the coming of our king, let’s pray to be as trusting, peaceful, and humble servants as a donkey.

Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a donkey

Zechariah 9:9 ESV.

About Susan:

Susan K. Stewart, author of Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks, grew up dreaming to be a reporter in the fashion of Lois Lane. She met her Superman, moved from the city to a mountain village, and continued to write. The Stewarts moved from the little village to ranchland in Central Texas. Donkeys were soon added to mix of other creatures: dogs, cats, chickens, and peacocks. Each devotion in Donkey Devos is based on a real-life experiences Susan has had with her donkeys.

Susan didn’t expect to become a “donkey whisper.” One day God put her in a herd of donkeys, and it was love at first bray. She and her husband Bob live in Central Texas with their three dogs, three cats, numerous chickens, and inspiring donkeys. They have three children and six outstanding grandchildren. Susan’s book, Formatting e-Books for Writers, was originally released in March 2016 and received an AWSA Silver Scroll Merit Award (2016). Her devotional, Donkey Devos: Listen When God Speaks, was released in July 2021. Susan’s passion is to inspire readers with practical, real-world solutions and a few donkey stories. www.susankstewart.com

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