Scripture: Matthew 20:17-19, Matthew 21:1-5
Lesson: Drawing Battle Lines
The streets were buzzing with the sounds of party preparations and the air was filled with the scent of unleavened bread. The dust laid heavy over the city like a cloud. Something was different about this festival – something that made the tension thick and the swords sharp.
The annual “Most Wanted” list had been posted and Jesus’ face had made the cover. A plot had been formed and the battle lines were clearly drawn. Judas wanted Him to rally the crowds, storm the gates and take His rightful place, “Come on man, you’re Jesus – the Saviour of the world!”
That’s what you’re supposed to do when being heavily scrutinized and wrongfully accused…fight back.
This is the part where Jesus is supposed to fly in on His cape and demand His crown, but He wasn’t following the script. Instead He asks for a donkey. So His disciples set off into town, to see a man…about a donkey. “Wait, did He just say He wanted a donkey?” Surely He meant horse. A horse is the official mode of transportation when approaching the enemy. A horse – strong and swift, regal and proud. Yet He insists on a donkey.
When He enters Jerusalem on His chosen beast, He’s greeted with criticism on every corner, looking to discredit Him. The opposition is unbearable and the accusations are unfounded.
All the while He knew His 2 best friends would fail Him. Peter denied knowing Him and Judas betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver – the cost of a slave (Exodus 21:32). Adversity always reveals your true friends, but He was aware that when the dust settled over that day, He wouldn’t have a single one (Matt 26:56). And yet He chose the donkey – a symbol of peace and humility.
How fitting that the man who was destined to carry the weight of the world on His shoulders chose a creature known for bearing heavy burdens, to carry Him on its back.When the clouds grew dark and the sky caved in, Jesus didn’t take the ‘high road’, He took the lowest place (Philippians 2:7). He approached persecution peacefully, carried His cross with humility, and triumphed over the grave victoriously.
Application: Lower Your Sword
Emotions are running high but patience seems to be at an all time low. Tension gets thick and tongues get sharp. Your boss throws a tantrum, your friend throws you under the bus, or sometimes it’s just the chaos of life that throws you into a tailspin.
The caution flag is out and you take your pace lap – you’re planning your defense and compiling your arguments. You begin to think you should’ve been a lawyer, after all, you’re just so good at it. As you stand to plead your case, you remember how Jesus ditched the horse in favour of a donkey. An animal noted for its flexible feet to maneuver over rough terrain.
It’s no coincidence that it’s referred to as the “Beast of Burden”, and that as believers we’re called to bear one another’s burdens in love (Gal 6:2). The work of a donkey was so valuable that it was once considered a measure of wealth.
This donkey idea is starting to make sense, because what good is it really if you can only show love to those who deserve it? That doesn’t set us apart, even fools can do that (Luke 6:32). We don’t have an impact on the lives of others by regurgitating all of their wrongs, our influence is found in exemplifying a life that’s been made right.
Conflict reveals character and humility precedes honour. Sometimes we just have to lower the sword and realize the battle has already been won. Those insults have actually fallen on our Saviour (Romans 15:3). He has the last word.
What have you labeled as discord that needs to be downgraded to a mere distraction?
What enemies are you allowing to occupy land in your mind?
The next time you’re faced with opposition and criticism, remember the donkey. Drop your brief case and dismount your horse.
Jesus confronted His enemies with humility to teach us to conduct our lives with honour. He approached the sting of persecution with peace so that we could approach the throne of grace with promise.
“It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.” 1 Peter 2:15
~Vanessa
© Vanessa Donnan and Walk by Faith, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Vanessa Donnan and Walk by Faith with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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