Sermon nuggets Thur July 31, 2008
Theme Triumphal Entry
Verses John 12: 14-15 Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."
At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.
Significance of the Colt
Jesus came riding in on a colt or a foal of an ass. That seems odd doesn't it? Jesus instructed the disciples who went into town earlier that evening exactly where this donkey was to be found and what to say to the owners. "The Lord has need of this."
The donkey in our society is a beast of burden. One would not have the same status that a horse rider would have. In fact in parades if there is a donkey or a mule usually it is a clown riding on it. When Macabee came riding in Jerusalem he rode on a Stallion, strong and mighty for battle. Yet Jesus rode on an ass.
In that culture when a King came riding on a donkey that meant they were not at war. They were not coming to fight, but they were coming in peace. The people might have asked, “Wasn't Jesus the King coming to conquer Herod, rather than peace?” Jesus was coming to bring peace with God to all who trusted in Jesus. He was to be the King of all who followed Him by faith.
The significance of a young colt not ridden before is important too, in the understanding of the times. Even the details were all part of the plan of Almighty God. He also showed that He had control over animals that have never been ridden. The Old Testament declared this would happen many years before he was born, "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! See your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of an ass. "
Eileen Lageer wrote a small parable entitled Palm Monday. "The donkey awakened, his mind savoring something pleasant. He arched his neck walking with mincing steps. "That group of people by the well" he said to himself, "I'll go and show myself to them" They took no notice. "Throw your garment down." he said crossly. "Don't you know who I am?"
They stared at him in amazement. Someone threw a stone. "Miserable infidels!" he muttered as he turned away in rage. I'll go down by the market. Some good people are sure to be there and recognize me." But it was the same. "The palm branches! Where are the palm branches?" he shouted. "Have you forgotten?" Dazed. he returned to his mother.
“Foolish child," she said gently. "Without Him you can do nothing.".
Certainly there is a parable for us. As we are used by Almighty God it is for his glory and our blessing. But may we be like that donkey used ages ago only to uphold Jesus so people can see Him. So people would see Jesus coming in peace not to destroy, but to love; not to condemn, but to help; not with strength of armies but with the strength of humility and service.
Pastor Dale
