Once upon a time, there was a farmer. The farmer had a donkey; it was too small to do any work. The farmer planned to kill him, but his children begged that his life be spared. The little donkey was left tied to a tree on the road to Jerusalem. Later that day the farmer was approached by two men who told him that Jesus of Nazareth needed the donkey. The donkey – little esteemed by the farmer – was taken away for Jesus to use. Was he the chosen one? I wonder!
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The Nubian donkey has a cross on its back and it is said that it is one of this breed of donkeys that carried Jesus into Jerusalem.
A fable again, that the donkey knew Jesus very well; that whom he carried was facing a trial and much suffering. The donkey wished he could even have carried the cross for Jesus and borne his burden. He loved Jesus so much he followed him to Calvary; and he turned his head away as he could not bear to look at Jesus hanging on the cross.
The story goes on that his loyalty, humility, and passion for Jesus caused the shadow of the cross fall across his back. And there is the sign of the cross on the Jerusalem Nubian donkey, depicting – for all to see – the love of God.
It is said that the cross on the back of each Nubian donkey is different. No two are alike.
(credit: iStock)
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Leland P. Gamson who enjoys telling animal stories to children in his book ‘The Donkey Who Carried Jesus’ goes a little further and talks about ‘Katen’ a delightful colt, who was chosen by Jesus along with his mum. As they walked, the cheering crowd named him ‘Lokael’ meaning ‘The one who carries the Lord’.
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In ancient days donkeys were associated with royalty.
Judges 10:4 records one of Israel’s judges, ‘Jair’ who had 30 sons, rode 30 donkeys to 30 cities….
Judges 12:14 likewise mentions ‘Abdon’, who had 40 sons, and 30 grandsons who rode on 70 donkeys.
I Kings 1:33-44, David had his son Solomon ride his donkey to be anointed by the priest, thereby making him the rightful heir to his father’s throne.
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The donkey might be considered lowly. As a breed, they are mocked and derided by society in general. But mind you, he has a ‘secret’ which he keeps to himself. He has had his ‘hour of honor’ and ‘his moment in the sun’. Yes, indeed there was a time when Jesus chose him.
All four gospels of the Bible record the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a ‘colt’.
Mathew puts it differently (Matt 21:4-7); that Jesus rode on a donkey and a colt, a foal of a donkey. Alternately? Perhaps . Matthew no doubt was echoing the prophet Zechariah.
(Zech 9:9)
Rejoice greatly,
Daughter Zion!
Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
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On ‘Palm Sunday’, Jesus prepares to commence passion week – the week leading to his crucifixion – by entering Jerusalem atop a colt.
He selected two of his disciples and instructed them. They went into the village, found the colt, unridden, unbroken, and untied it. I am struck by the words that the disciples are given to say should their assignment be questioned; they would answer ‘The Lord needs it’.
God’s purposes are forever eternal. Do we heed His call and execute what he wishes us to accomplish, or do we remain fearful, stubborn and firmly tied?
The untied colt was brought, and cloaks were laid on him for Jesus to sit on.
Jesus was acclaimed by the people with joy and enthusiasm as they strewed their cloaks on the road and cut branches from trees, waved them, and spread them for him to ride on. (John records the details that the branches they cut were from palm trees John 12:13. (Palm (phoenix) -victory, eternal life.)
(Credit: Children’s chapel)
Jesus was hailed verbally too “Hosannah!” “Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord! “Blessed is the King of Israel!”.
Were they just loudly proclaiming ‘SAVE US’, a cry to save them from a system that took advantage of the poor and allowed the temple to be used to perpetuate injustice?
What are our thoughts as we wave palm branches on Palm Sunday? Do they take into account the current, not too cheery political scenario?
The Hosannas were loud but did not last long. Soon they turned into vehement cries – “crucify him”!
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We need to remember that the final entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was solemn and humble. He was the ‘King of Peace’ riding on a donkey in contrast to a war-waging king arriving on a horse.
Kings have found it necessary to force their way through crowds, riding rough shod, trampling on people in their quest to conquer the throne; but in contrast, none was hurt when Jesus came to Zion! Just boughs and palm fronds, shouts and songs when the King of Peace arrived!
Do we welcome Him or reject Him? He brings joy, peace and hope. Let’s allow Him to enter our hearts and dwell therein.
Does the Lord need me? Do I make a difference to Him, among the zillions on planet Earth? Could an Omnipotent God ever need anything or anybody?
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A favorite poem of mine by G.K. Chesterton collection ‘ The Wild Knight and Other Poems’ tells the story of the humble donkey from the donkey’s point of view:
When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood.
Then surely, I was born.
With a monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The Devil’s Walking parody
On all four-footed things.
The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will.
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.
Fools! For I also had my hour.
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.
Hey, you Lokael! Aren’t you the lucky one!! Do you have a sign which says…I carried Jesus, the King of Peace!
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The author’s bio (in her own words):
# Medical Microbiologist. I love science. Aww! The freaking microbes are my best friends. You can call me a virus hunter too. Status quo for almost two decades. I love assisting physicians to efficiently diagnose and aid in healing humans. Basically an alumna of the CMC Vellore, my career trajectory led me to the vigorous Middle East; my profile was enhanced there, working alongside professional from the Royal Health Ministry. My “Aha” moments are when I’m engrossed in reading. How magically they steal my time! Currently a homemaker, I consider it a real privilege to debut as a guest in one of the remarkable weblogs I follow avidly!
I know you are curious; this is she:
Though “donkey” is in part the subject Sneha writes on, when it comes to rides, she prefers a much higher perch as you can see!
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It’s a well said message at the right time for the current generation, because we are so busy in our daily work and other things but unfortunately forgetting the creator, we cannot be a donkey to carry him coz we r worthless but atleast we should spend some time in his presence
Hello Praba! Thank you very much for taking the time to reply.Grateful for your encouragement. Good reflection.Thanks.
Sneha.
Dearest Sr.Alphonse,
This is gonna be one of THE special days..to hear from you.
Lots of love,encouragement, blessings galore from your side.I appreciate every word found in your feedback.
Can’t thank you enough..can’t ask for more.
To just think,you remember every ounce of me from when I was your student!!
I’m stunned!
Encouraged beyond words.Can’t describe.An honour.Thank you for everything.Will continue to uphold you in my prayers.Hoping to hear from you now and then.Lots of love.
Sneha.
Hello Dr.Leena,
What a joy to receive an input from you.I do appreciate your time and your valuable insight . Thank you very.much.
Please continue to uphold us in your prayers and keep safe in your new destination.
Sneha.
Hello Hannah akka,
I do know you quite well hearing from Sheela.
Thank you very much for the feedback and encouragement. I will try my best.
Your review means a lot to me.
Take care.Love to you.
Sneha.
Sneha Sheela sent me your article. It was so well written and the detail of the cross on the donkey is amazing. Please continue to write because even children will be encouraged as their parents read this to them . God bless you and May he use you in your talent of writing.
Dear Sneha
I read your blog about the Nubian donkey today . It is an honor for him to have been the chosen one to carry Jesus ! Too often , humans do not know the purpose of their lives and modify their roles and responsibilities to suit the norms of society. People never realize their valuable moments in life … or deny them looking for better memories. The Nubian Donkey is a Lucky Donkey as his purpose was clearly defined by society. I guess the saying , ‘Every Donkey has his day ‘ , comes from the biblical story of the Nubian Donkey. I liked your article as I am inspired to acknowledge all the beautiful moments of my life remembering the Nubian Donkey in your blog. Best wishes to continue with more articles in your blog my Best friend!
Brindha.
After reading the story. I felt that I was like the donkey not talented & no one could see me. The Lord called me & used me for His purpose to bring Glory to His Name.
Very well written Sneha and well connected. It brought back my chilhood memories. whenever i see a donkey will look for the crosss on its back. Great witung enjoyed everybitb of it. Very few people have the gift of writing. God bless you Sneha , looking forward for more.
Hi Sneha,
It was interesting reading about “the donkey” and the donkey’s perspective..for a change.
Waiting for your next blog.. surprise your readers.
God bless!!
A beautiful message well conveyed in simple words to help us understand our Lord much better and to make us get closer to him.
Dear Sneha
Your blog on Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem is inspiring! It portrays the joy of the colt when Jesus rode on him, the lasting impact of the love of Christ on us and the truth that Jesus came to bring peace on earth.
Your message also gives hope that when the Son of God can ride on a donkey to proclaim his Kingdom, he would also lovingly choose any lowly, marginalised or downtrodden person to be used for his kingdom. I am hopeful that many will pay heed to His call when they read your blog!
Subashini (Sheela’s Friend)
Perth, Australia
Hello Subhashini! So glad to hear from you.I am really not sure as to how I am supposed to address you.I’ll get it right soon.
Yes.Sheela has spoken to me about you and that you are very good friends.Your input is awesome and inspiring. This will definitely push me harder in future.Thanks for your time and interest shown. Value it a lot.
Thank you once again.
Sneha.
Hi Priya!
Good to hear from you! I really appreciate your interest in taking time out to read and reply.Yes,I made it as simple as possible for many to connect with the subject.Have fun at Melbourne.
Sneha.
Hello doc,
Indeed,extremely happy to hear from you, dear Sarah!! know how busy you are and at this particular juncture ,you’ve made some precious time for me.Appreciate it greatly.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Sneha.
Hey Asha dear!
This one.. I was waiting for!! Thank you very much..Your post means a lot.Loved your comments.Look forward to more..sure!!
Sneha
Thank you Deepa! Very happy to hear from you.
Noting that you’ve replied instantly after reaching Atlanta..A wow!! Continue praying for us as I do for Emmanuel and kidz.Thanks again.
Sneha.
There you are my bestie! So happy and what a nice reflection and set of comments for me dear Brindha..I can see you’ve spent precious time in getting back.Appreciate much.Happy it has inspired you.Thanks for your wishes.Take care. Will keep in touch.
Sneha.
Hello Reena,
So good to hear back from you.Yes Sheela did tell me that she has shared my article to her best friends.Yes,With our Lord’s guidance I should be able to continue writing.
Thank you very much for your best wishes.
Sneha.
Well done
Beautifully written Akka. Liked your article and pondered about the Nubian donkey. We have to be just like the donkey, following Jesus’s path, welcoming Him by carrying Him in our hearts and being obedient to Him who sacrificed for us.
Dear Sneha , Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour.I really appreciate your posting.It is so good that you gave the message relating the donkey , colt and Jesus..It is awesome and helpful to the present youth .I congratulate you in a special way with God’S bountiful blessings in all your endeavors .
So good to hear from you aunty.Thank you very much for your thoughtful insight and blessings.I’m so glad I heard from my teacher..appreciate the time you spent for me..so busy with your fellowship etc..
Sneha.
Hi Dotty!
So glad you put in your feedback ma.God bless you.Thank you for encouraging.
Sneha
That’s a surprise post!! Thank you very much Reeta.good to hear from you.
Sneha.
Sujo Samuel
Dear Sneha, Congrats on your debut on fables about the donkey and it’s journey with Jesus. Beautiful thoughts put in enticing simple words perfect for little kids.I am sure they will enjoy reading them.You have a good talent to pen.Keep writing. All the best.
Sujo aunty.
Aww! That’s so lovely! Thank you very much dear aunty!Yes! I kept the larger audience and kidz in mind with very simple choice of words.I appreciate your kind comments.Very encouraging. Please do take care.
Sneha.
Dear Sneha,
Awesome writing. I enjoyed. I missed it earlier. However delayed is not followed. God bless your work
Prebhu Clement
Thank you very much uncle.Appreciate your kind words and blessings.
Sneha
Wonderful write up about humble donkey and meaningful purpose of life in God’s perspective.
Hello annan, surprised.This was written many months ago.So happy to note that you do visit the blog site.Please continue to read and also share the umpteen precious articles in the blogsite on various subjects.
Thank you.
Sneha.