Matthew 21:1-5: a reflection

1When they came near to Jerusalem and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, 5“Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the last time, he arranges his entry with deliberate care, sending disciples to bring a donkey and its colt. And Matthew explains why: it fulfilled the prophet's words, Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey. Jesus enters the city as its King, but not on a war-horse in the manner of conquering kings; he comes humble, riding on a lowly donkey, a King of peace, not of worldly pomp.

Notice the humility of the King's entrance. A conquering king would ride in on a warhorse, in splendor and might, to overawe the city. Jesus, the true King, comes deliberately in humility, on a donkey, a beast of peace and lowliness. His kingship is real, he is the King coming to his city, but it is a kingship of humility, not of the domineering pomp the world associates with kings. The King comes gentle and lowly.

That reveals the character of Christ's kingship, and challenges our idea of greatness. The world's kings and great ones assert themselves with pomp, splendor, and domination; Christ, the true King, comes humble, on a donkey, and his greatness is shown in lowliness and service, culminating in the cross. If we would follow this King, we must let go of the world's idea of greatness as domination and self-assertion, and embrace his way of humility. Behold your King, coming humble and riding on a donkey. Worship the King who is gentle and lowly, and learn from him a greatness that is shown not in domination but in humility and service.

Lord Jesus, you entered your city as King, but not on a war-horse in splendor and might; you came humble, riding on a lowly donkey, a King of peace, fulfilling the prophet's word. Thank you for the humility of your kingship. Your greatness is shown not in domination and pomp, as the world's kings assert themselves, but in lowliness and service, culminating in the cross. Challenge my own idea of greatness. Help me let go of the world's picture of greatness as domination and self-assertion, and embrace your way of humility. Let me worship you, the King who comes gentle and lowly, and learn from you a greatness shown not in asserting myself but in humble service. Behold my King; help me follow you in your humility.