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Matthew 21:1-5

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.  If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 

We refer to it now as “Holy Week”—the week leading up to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. With his eyes set on the cross, our Lord approached Jerusalem knowing that the initial praise would turn into the pronouncement of death. A victorious military leader would enter a city on a white stallion flanked by his army. In fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophesy, Jesus entered the city in humility, riding on a donkey. Even this triumphal entry was a demonstration of relent.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God – even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (NIV)

Then Paul adds this important instruction: Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV).

We see in today’s passage an example of humility. God in the flesh surrendered himself, entering Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. He continued to yield all the way to the cross. The charge of the believer is to follow that example of humble relent.

Father, may we follow the example of Jesus. Keep our hearts tender and humble. May we be true followers of him. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This Week on The Journey:

1 and 2 Samuel