(This incident, in the life of Jesus, is recorded in each of the four Gospels.)
I was standing in the shade, tied by the doorway of my master’s house.
Suddenly two men appeared, without as much as ‘please’ or ‘thanks’
Untied me and started to lead me away.
“What are you doing?” my master called out.
“The Lord has need of him” the two men replied and kept on walking. (Pause)
We had not gone far, before garments were thrown on my back.
Then a stranger was gently placed on me.
I’d like to pause here in my story…
In my culture, my species was NOT held in derision and distain.
We often had favored positions…Sons of Judges used us…
Even King David’s mule was used at the coronation of Solomon. And
According to Jewish tradition, because I had never been ridden by man,
I was fit to be used for certain sacred purposes. (Pause)
Now back to my story…
Crowds were gathering, some even coming out of Jerusalem to greet my rider.
Suddenly branches were being whirled about my head, shouts of hosanna
Were ringing in my ears, palm branches and garments spread at my feet.
The bystanders were shouting; “Hosanna,
Blessed is He who comes in the
Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest.”
Even I, a humble donkey, could sense the sanctity of these moments
Then I knew I was carrying Jesus, the Son of God.
I held my head up and moved forward,
This day was to be the highlight of my life.
However, looking back…
What if my earthly master had refused to let me go?
What if I, with my stubborn nature, had baulked and not gone?