Sermon Central
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View From The Donkey
Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Apr 6, 2006 (message contributor)
Summary: Triumphal Entry - Takes a unique look at this story from a more humble vantage point. The SAVIOR, the SERVANTS, and the SINNERS. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.
View From The Donkey
Zech. 9:9; Matthew 21:1-11
(this passage known as the Triumphal Entry)
Zech. 9:9 [on screen]
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
All four gospels give the account of the Triumphant Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
(Matt. 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-16)
Let’s look at this day from the unique perspective of the donkey…but first, we must set the scene:
I - THE SAVIOR IN THIS STORY
Jesus’ first entry will lead to so much, including His soon to come “re-entry”!
His First Entry His “Re-entry”
1. Riding on a Colt. 1. Riding a Great White Horse.
2. He Came Alone 2. Saints & Angels.
3. He wore A Crown of Thorns. 3. Will wear a Crown of Crowns.
4. Called King of the Jews. 4. Will be King of Kings.
5. Had no Money for Taxes. 5. He will own everything.
6. He was Mocked & Jeered. 6. They will fear & Tremble.
7. He came as a Man. 7. He will come as God.
8. He was Meek & Lowly. 8. Will Come in Power & Glory.
9. He had Nails in His hands. 9. He will have a Rod of Iron.
10. He Hung on a Cross. 10. He will sit on a Throne.
11. Judged in Pilate’s Hall. 11. He Will be the Judge.
12. He Came as the Lamb. 12. He will be the Lion.
II - THE SERVANTS IN THIS STORY
The Disciples—they fetched the donkey and colt, and proudly escorted the King of kings this day…but they would later forsake Him and flee!
The Crowd—many believers would have been present, but many would prove to be ‘fair weather friends’ by the end of the week. The Bible indicates that there were people who were ‘secret disciples’ or who ‘followed at a distance’ the Lord. And many today are genuinely saved, but follow in the same manner, especially when the atmosphere is not favorable!
III - THE SINNERS IN THIS STORY
The Donkey
The Colt -- which He actually rode on [John. 12]
--it’s unclear if one carried some things for Him, or just went along to make it a family affair! The young donkey represents all of us lowly sinners.
Lessons from the donkey:
• First of all we find that Jesus had a plan for the donkey. In our lives He has a plan for each of us…
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
His plan for us is that we enter into a relationship of grace with God the Father. (John 3:16).
• The second thing we need to realize is that the donkey was chosen to fulfill that plan. God’s word tells us that we too have been chosen to fulfill God’s plan…
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
We are chosen that we might be used for His purposes (Ephesians 2:10…ye are His workmanship…).
• V. 7 says that the donkey wore new clothes. Garments were placed upon the donkey that Jesus might take His place upon the donkey. When we come to Christ we receive new garments of life. The Bible tells us that we are clothed in Christ…
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
• We see that the donkey went where He was led. (it was unbroken!) Jesus has this effect on all His creation!
[in wilderness 40 days and nights w/ wild beasts!/fish w/ coin!/rooster crowed 3x’s]
To be a part of the plan, the donkey had to go where he was led. God does not always give us the route or even the destination...we must show our love by following obediently…
And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.
• To me the greatest point is that the donkey’s position made Jesus more visible. The donkey’s position of service made Jesus visible to the crowd. When we humble ourselves, Christ becomes more visible to others. Jesus did not choose the proud, prancing mare. Nothing about the donkey took away from Jesus. Because Jesus was visible, a crowd was drawn. Jesus told us that when He is lifted up He will draw all men unto Himself.
