The Difference a Donkey Made
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Written by Pastor Thomas Cherian
Categories: Devotion
Tags: Palm Sunday donkey freedom submission
Palm Sunday, or Hosanna Sunday, marks the last week of the pre-resurrected Jesus’ earthly ministry — a day of both liberation and procession.
It begins with the untying of a donkey and becomes a jubilant palm-leaved celebration, with our Lord Jesus riding on the back of the donkey from Bethphage to Jerusalem, the crowd singing praises to God.
The release of the bound animal at the command of Jesus describes our past life, when we were bound by the powers of darkness, but the love of God rescued us.
Once we are liberated, God expects us to let Jesus control our lives to maintain the freedom we have received. By carrying Jesus on our backs, we inspire others to give Him the greatest honor.
The donkey’s submission changed the attitude of people who had actually come to celebrate the feast at Jerusalem (John12:12). The crowd joined in the procession, praising Jesus as the king of Israel. This celebration is the first of its kind recorded in the New Testament.
Palm leaves symbolize various things in the ancient Near Eastern, Jewish and early Christian contexts. The palm symbolizes gratefulness, the assurance of eternal life and victory through Jesus over the fear of death. The crowd started spontaneously praising God, proclaiming various Biblical titles for Jesus. What a glorious way of worshiping God!
Jesus was deeply pleased with the sincere worship of the crowd, even though they were away from the temple premises — the traditional place for worship.
The peaceless Jerusalems can be the broken states of our homes, families, churches and nations. A liberated believer can definitely bring peace to his/her peaceless Jerusalems, when he/she enters with Jesus — making a tremendous difference in our lives and the lives of others.
The donkey totally submitted and the crowd expressed their gratitude towards the Master.
The attitude of submission and gratitude will enable us to have a unique encounter with the Holy Spirit outside traditional boundaries.
We can’t imagine the way the Holy Spirit can use you and me for His glory, if we submit our lives unconditionally. May our submitted lives bless others during this Passion Week.
