Another Symbol of Hope
Today is Palm Sunday. The beginning of the events to come that was all in God’s plan to offer us the most precious gift of all. Our free gift of salvation!
7 When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. 8 Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” 10 “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.” Mark 11:7-11 NIV
When I was a teacher/helper with our kindergartners. One Palm Sunday we wanted to “bring it home” for the children. The night before, I cut some palm branches from my neighbor’s yard (with her permission) and laid them out on the floor of our classroom. Making a path for them to follow. As the children arrived almost all of them where reluctant to step on them and after gentle persuasion, they tenderly walked the path that was before them. This was not the reaction that I thought we would receive. During story time, I had them reenact our Bible story using the branches. Yet, even though they had spent time with the branches, when it came time to leave. They still needed reassurance that it was ok to walk on them as they were leaving. Why did the children react in this way? Something that was familiar to them became unfamiliar.
As I was preparing my heart for this Easter season, I was reflecting on the account of Jesus coming into Jerusalem as king. A passage that is familiar became unfamiliar to me. I have read/heard/taught the story but never dug deep down into the story. We focus on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the praises being hailed, only rushing past the beginning of this story.
The Beginning of the Story
Jesus and the disciples were approaching Jerusalem and came to the Mount of Olives. There He sends two of His disciples ahead of them, telling them what to do and what to say. Let’s stop right there. What and Why?
The what is…
“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. 3 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” Mark 11:2-3 NIV
The why to these verses is explained in Matthews version of this story.
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” Matthew 21:4-5 NIV
Is there a significance for it being a donkey’s colt?
Yes, for two reasons.
- To fulfill prophecy (Zechariah 9:9)
- A donkey was considered an animal that was used for laboring. A donkey’s unridden colt had not yet been broken for labor leaving it foolish an unmanageable.
Jesus could had made a grand entrance but instead He entered on an animal that could had brought Him shame. This too as with His birth demonstrated, His humbleness.
So back to where we was. The disciples did as they were instructed and returned to Jesus and the others. While they were retrieving the donkey, they were asked what they was doing. I believe this is where a symbol of Hope is injected into the story line. With a few people getting information, they had to of told others. Which would explain why a crowd of people was there to hail and praise Him as He entered into His city. The life of Jesus is an example filled with Love, Hope, Grace and Mercy.
Upon reflecting over what Jesus had done for us. I composed a reflection of my own that I will leave you with today.
Jesus A Symbol of Hope
Hope came as a baby, born in a manger
Hope came as a humble king, riding a donkey’s colt
Hope came on the cross, where Jesus died
Hope came on the third day, when Jesus did rise
Hope came out of Love for all who would believe.
In His Love, Crisi
This post is linked up with some amazing women at Fellowship Friday.
I love the poem you wrote! Thank you for helping me get in the right frame of mind before church this evening.
Thanks Jennifer 🙂
He is our hope and our portion! Lamentations 3:24 So thankful that we can hope in Him!
Bless you!
Dawn
Amen!!! Thank you Dawn. Have a wonderful week.