Jesus came riding instead of walking into Jerusalem. This appears to be an intentional move by Jesus. He seems to have walked everywhere in His ministry. Jesus had stopped in Jericho to have a meal with Zacchaeus and do some teaching. Then, He continued His trip to Jerusalem. Luke 19:28 Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples.[1]
They were almost to Jerusalem when Jesus gave more instructions to His disciples. Luke 19: 30 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” [2] Jesus rode the donkey into Jerusalem.
Why a Donkey?
An elite Roman official would have ridden a stallion or perhaps a chariot into town to demonstrate his authority. But here, Jesus rode a young donkey. This was full of meaning for the Jews watching as it fulfilled prophecy. Zechariah 9: 9 Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt. [3]
This kind of entrance was how King Solomon entered the city as the successor to his father, King David. 1 Kings 1: 32 Then King David ordered… “Solomon is to ride on my own mule… . Then they sounded the ram’s horn and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy.[4]
This act affirmed Jesus’ messianic royalty and showed that He, like Solomon, was coming in peace. The fact that Jesus could ride an unbroken colt shows His sovereignty.
Speaking Through Actions
We can see Jesus used His actions to proclaim that He was a kingly Messiah coming in peace. At the time, the Jewish leaders could excommunicate anyone confessing Christ as Lord (John 9:22). Jesus knew that the leadership wanted to kill Him. Overtly speaking of His kingship would get Him killed, and the timing wasn’t quite right. Jesus had to fulfill more prophecies.
Sometimes, it is better to communicate using actions instead of words, especially when we are dealing with people who are hostile towards us. These people will not listen to what we say but will watch what we do. Jesus entered Jerusalem peacefully. We, too, must demonstrate that we come in peace to unfriendly situations. Ask God how to bring His love to these circumstances. Then, watch how He will work through you.
Jesus came riding instead of walking as He entered Jerusalem. To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/forward-with-full-knowledge
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.