As we approach Easter, it is appropriate for us to examine this passage which is often overlooked by many in the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. He sent two disciples to fetch a colt in a nearby village. At that point the disciples did know what he was planning, but he intended to use it while riding into Jerusalem as he initiated the last week before his crucifixion. This passage of Scripture gives us very little information. However, what it does not say may relate more than we expect. Let us observe what we can glean from this event.
We began this blog by saying the disciples were unaware what Jesus was planning. Their obedience was quite significant since it would be a fulfillment of prophecy and a vital use for Jesus. It makes me wonder how many times I may have missed being used by God for something I did not understand at the time.
The disciples went to a certain place in a certain village and there found a certain colt as Jesus predicted. God’s plans are not splintered. What he intends will be fully completed and what is necessary will be available as we obey.
When disciples started to untied the colt, the men standing nearby asked the reason. The reply was exactly as Jesus dictated. He had need of it. Without hesitation, without any interference, the men stood by while the disciples walked the colt away from the village. They did not explain to the men what Jesus planned. What faith they all must’ve had in whatever they knew about Jesus!
It appears, though, the men must’ve been aware of the identity of Jesus. Here we have faithful disciples obeying their Lord and faithful owners cooperating with the Lord. Two groups of men who did not know each other were united in obedience. Those who attend worship service can have their hearts united under the direction of the Holy Spirit just like them many years ago. (Matthew 18: 20)
At the time of Jesus, the donkey was a symbol of peace. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was not as a general or king. The announcement that the angels made to the shepherds declared peace on earth, goodwill toward men. The technical translation of that is the person of peace is on earth coming to men of goodwill. This entrance was a fulfillment of that angelic declaration and the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9.
There was no discussion about the return of the colt. Jesus needed him and that was the end of the matter! Several televangelists have propagated false doctrine that we should try to make God obligated to give us back what we have provided for his use. We must consider ourselves fortunate if we happened on something that will be a diffuse to our Lord.
There is no indication that the owners of the colt followed the disciples with the animal. It is so easy for us to keep a tight grip on what we have. It is even more easy for us to submit a prayer request to Jesus saying we will leave that at the cross but eventually go back and take that burden again into our lives.
To prepare ourselves for obedience to God, we must review Psalm 139: 23,24 that says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” The ideal situation of a Christian is total submission to the Lord wanting him to cleanse every nook and cranny in our hearts, wanting him to make us available for whatever purpose he has using us that he may expand his kingdom.
Christian Writer 