The significance of Jesus using the colt/donkey

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Holy Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 22:14-23:56 or 23:1-49*

*First Reading : Is 50:4-7*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24*

*Second Reading :Phil 2:6-11*

*The significance of Jesus using the colt/donkey*

*1) Fulfillment of Prophecy*

Jesus’ act directly fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9: 

*“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”*

This passage prophesied that the Messiah would come not as a warrior on a horse but as a humble king on a colt. 

Jesus intentionally chooses the colt to show that He is the promised King, but not in the way many expected.

*2) Symbol of Peace, Not War*

In ancient times, kings rode horses when they came in war, but donkeys or colts when they came in peace.

Jesus’ entry on a colt signifies that His kingship is one of peace and humility, not violence or conquest.

He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), offering reconciliation between God and humanity.

*3) A King Who Is Approachable*

A colt, especially one that had never been ridden (Mark 11:2), is a symbol of purity and dedication. 

Yet it’s also a humble animal. 

Unlike a majestic stallion, a colt makes the rider approachable. 

This reflects how Jesus, though divine, came close to His people, accessible even to the lowly.

*4) Reversal of Expectations*

The people expected a political messiah who would overthrow Roman rule. 

By riding a colt, Jesus subverts these expectations, pointing to a different kind of kingdom—a spiritual kingdom built not on force but on love, sacrifice, and truth

*5) Jesus’ Sovereignty and Divine Knowledge*

Before sending His disciples to get the colt, Jesus describes in detail where it will be and what to say (Luke 19:30–31). 

This shows His divine foreknowledge and control over events. 

Even the animal's availability was part of God's plan, showing that Jesus’ path to the cross was deliberate and orchestrated.

*6)  A Foretaste of His Second Coming*

In His first coming, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt—humble and peaceful. 

But Revelation 19:11 describes His second coming on a white horse, symbolizing power, judgment, and victory. 

The colt reminds us that now is the time of grace and mercy; the time for repentance before the King returns in glory.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*