The speciality of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Donkey

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Lenten Season - Holy Week - Palm Sunday*

*Gospel : Mt 26:14—27:66 or 27:11-54*

*First Reading : Is 50:4-7*

*SECOND READING - Phil 2:6-11*

*The speciality of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Donkey*

God never missed an opportunity to use powerful symbols throughout Scripture. The triumphal entry - Jesus’ famous ride on this lowly animal reveals much about Christ’s character and purpose. 

*1) Christ is claiming His rightful place as the prophesied Messiah.*

Zechariah wrote: “Behold, your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Every Jew would know Zechariah’s messianic prophecy. That’s why the crowds hailed Jesus as their king shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). Jesus is the true Davidic Messiah and king.

*2) Jesus rode a donkey to symbolize peace.*

In the ancient Middle Eastern world, leaders rode horses if they rode to war, but donkeys if they came in peace.

This shows Jesus is the Prince of Peace

*3) . Christ's journey on a donkey harkened back to the foreshadowing of a father sacrificing his own only son*

Isaac, a type of Christ, rides a donkey to be slain by his father Abraham on the altar (Genesis 49:10-12).

*4) Jesus' triumphal entry on a donkey symbolized God's blessing to His people.*

Jacob’s divine blessing over his son Judah includes a reference to a donkey and a donkey’s foal (Genesis 49:10-12)

Jesus is born of the tribe of Judah, eternally enthroned. 

*5)  Emissaries sent donkeys overloaded with gifts to appease the wrath of an enemy, preventing bloodshed*

Jacob sent donkeys packed with treasures to avoid the wrath of his brother Esau (Genesis 33:8). 

Abigail brought donkeys packed with food to keep David from killing her family. 

The donkey which is loaded with Jesus, finally will save us from the Wrath of sin and death 

*6) God used a donkey to speak His judgment!*

Yes, Balaam’s donkey actually warns the prophet of His disobedience

*8) Jesus demonstrated that he was the burden-bearer who came to save us.*

Baby Jesus was born in humility. Remember, a donkey carried a poor, pregnant mother named Mary all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem. (Luke 2:4-7). 

This gentle beast of burden carried the Savior of the World. Jesus used the image of Mary’s donkey to connect with the common people. He came for them. 

Like donkey, Jesus bore the entire burden of our sins

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*