“That’ll Do Donkey” (Mark 11:1-11)
“Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.” – Mark 11:9-10
Read the following Scripture: Mark 11:1-11
Question of the Day: What helps you to find peace in times when people expect more from you?
Devotion: Did you ever wonder why Jesus rode into town on a colt? Here was the Son of God, King of Kings, Alpha and Omega…and He was riding a colt, the foal of a donkey. It is prophesied in Zechariah (9:9) that “your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
In some Eastern traditions, the donkey is seen as an animal of peace (as opposed to the horse which is seen as an animal of war). When a king arrived on a horse, he was looking for a fight. But when a king arrived on a donkey, it was a symbol of him coming in peace. Jesus arrived on a colt, the foal of donkey. He arrived on a young donkey, probably less than year old. This further symbolizes gentle and lowly or poor and afflicted. Jesus came as King of Peace, not to overturn the Roman government like the Jewish people were hoping for.
Do you see Jesus’ entry as a peaceful entry? Why or why not?
What images remind you of peace? What are some images our culture has associated with peace?
Prayer:
Christian Prayer for Peace
Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS,
for they shall be known as
the Children of God.
But I say to you that hear, love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you
pray for those who abuse you.
To those that strike you on the cheek,
offer the other one also,
and from those who take away your cloak,
do not withhold your coat as well.
Give to everyone who begs from you,
and of those who take away your goods,
do not ask for them again.
And as you wish that others would do to you,
do so to them.
Practice: Find a quiet spot (outside if possible) where you can relax and spend 30 minutes alone with God. Talk to Him about your desire to live a life of peace. Admire the nature around. Ask God to speak to you about His plan for your life.
Song: Come and Listen- David Crowder
