Lent
March 22, 2018
Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” ’ They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, ‘What are you doing, untying the colt?’ They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. –Mark 11:1-7
Someone posted a picture on Facebook recently of my 14-month-old great grandniece kissing her grandfather’s donkey through a fence. The donkey still wore his shaggy winter coat. It was a perfectly peaceful picture of shared admiration and awe. I wonder when she is older if she will remember that donkey when she reads the story of Jesus riding a donkey through Jerusalem? Of course, a donkey served another important role in the life of Jesus, it carried his mother to Bethlehem while she was pregnant with Jesus. While donkeys can be stubborn and even mean, they are often gentle beast of burden whose purpose in many places was obsoleted by modern modes of transportation. They still fit well in grandfather’s pastures along with the cattle and horses. He even has a llama.
The humble donkey is not the expected source for conveying a purported King as he received the adoration of his followers. The Roman rulers’ rode well-trained horses or in chariots behind them. They entered the gates of cities with great pomp and attention. This Jesus was nothing like them as he seemed to claim his proper role of Messiah. Could his riding a donkey even be poking a little fun at the Roman audacity? Did Jesus know in a few short days many of the same people would be in crowds begging the Roman ruler to crucify Jesus?
Perhaps we are not the first people to long for instant gratification and to scatter helter-skelter to the latest person or fad that seems to offer to fulfill our dreams with little or no effort on our part. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem that day started a journey on which his followers continue to this day. He knew his purpose and was willing to fulfill it. He had taught his followers the art of love and eventually turned over to them the responsibility to spread God’s love making it the driving force in the lives of all people for no other reason than he knew it was the best way of living for all of us because he loved us so much.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for your journey here on earth, for teaching us the art of love, and for giving your life for us. Hold us tightly as we can be swept away by the mighty winds of greed and lust for power. Guide us in your path as we grow in loving as you love. Amen.