The finest and best are reserved for a king. When another head of state visits Washington D.C. a bullet proof presidential limousine is sent to deliver him or her to the White House. Not only one, normally an entourage of people and a small caravan of black vehicles are sent to meet and deliver the dignitary. Hundreds of people vie for a spot along the “parade” route in which the cavalcade will pass eager to catch a glimpse. Media photographers and other members of the press contend for a high-quality location in hopes of capturing that solitary Pulitzer Prize photograph or story.
In the Roman Empire of 2000 years ago the scene was similar. The entry of a king into a city was met with great fanfare. A king always entered with a large entourage and normally came bearing gifts to those who turned out to meet him. People would line the streets outside the city as well as inside. If not in a chariot, the king rode into town on a steed or majestic stallion. A mount like this signified power and great strength. This is how great warriors, liberating kings, rode into town and the people of the city would meet this liberating emperor with praise and adulation.
If the people of Jerusalem were expecting a liberating savior, this is the scene they expected to be played out. However, Jesus had something unusual in mind. He sent two of his disciples into town to borrow a donkey’s colt to ride into town. A donkey would be considered the antithesis of a mighty steed. A donkey was considered a lowly slave-like animal, good only for pack animals, carrying belongings and heavy loads, hence the name “beast of burden”. Donkeys were not considered good work animals and not even used in the farmers fields. Yet, this is the mount of choice for Jesus for what is described as his triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Jesus could have chosen any mount He desired for this entry (He normally walked). He knew the people would be there waiting to welcome Him. Just as God had arranged for this donkey colt to be available, could He have made a great steed available for His Son, Jesus Christ? Why the colt of a donkey for this memorable entry into Jerusalem?
Jesus entire ministry was characterized not only with acts and teachings of servitude and submission, but also with a strong emphasis on servant leadership through self-denial, always being others minded. I use the term others minded to suggest that Jesus always put other people’s needs in front of His own.
Humility comes with an appeal. For someone of importance to enter a town or city on a horse was a representation of power and strength. To ride in on a donkey was to say, “I come in peace.” Jesus’ entrance this day was an appeal for peace. Make no mistake about it Jesus rode in as a king. Not as a king claiming his kingship of the throne; Jesus’ appeal or claim was for the kingship of the heart.
Some of the managers, leaders, and pastors I admire most are those who taught me through their meekness, modesty, and unassuming nature, – their humbleness. Humility is sometimes misunderstood as weakness. Humility is not weakness but meekness.
One night I watched a pastor being publicly criticized and condemned, verbally attacked, in front of his church by two members of his church. All because they did not like the direction he was leading the church. Some of the things these two persons said you would not expect a non-believer to say in church much less a Christian. It hurt me deeply because I knew this pastor did not deserve this abuse. Yet, he had asked me not to respond, and to remain silent. They had come this particular evening in hopes of making their claims and having the church vote the pastor out. After each person spoke and verbally abused him this man of God, politely and calmly thanked them for sharing. He did not attempt to defend his leadership. He humbly stood in front of his congregation and took every verbal blow that was cast at him that evening. I learned a great deal about humility that evening and during my time with this pastor as he led through humility. In humility he led that church (minus these two men) into greater spiritual growth.
Humility sometimes draws extremely hot fire from the adversary. But in the end humility for Christ’s sake will always win out. We are assured this in Revelation and through the life of Jesus. Jesus’ humility took Him to the cross for you. What will you humbly do in leadership for Him?