Preparing for Easter

 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. ~ Zechariah 9:9 KJV

I wonder why Jesus chose the colt of a donkey to ride into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday? 

Was it because that was the common form of transportation? 

If we examine the prophet Zechariah's words (above) we see the people were to be looking for their king to come on a donkey's colt. But wait, kings rode horses!

A donkey is short but a colt is much shorter. Jesus was riding right down there where the people were. The clothes put on the colt's back covered a prophecy that Jesus had tried to tell his disciples. Under the clothes was a cross. 

And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.
And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.
And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. ~ Mark 11:7-10 KJV

Almost all donkeys have a cross on their backs. It runs down their backs and across their shoulders. 

A donkey is an animal known for carrying burdens. The donkey carried Jesus who was carrying the greatest burden of all - our sins, the sins of the whole world. 

Jesus rode this donkey into Jerusalem the same day the sheep would have been brought in, the tenth day of Nisan. The sheep were to be put up and examined until Passover when they were to be killed as the Passover sacrifice.

During this week, Jesus would be examined. He would be arrested and stand before His accusers. Like a sheep that is led before the shearers is silent, so Jesus did not answer the accusations. He was slain as our sacrifice, the Lamb of God.

Father, help us slow down and realize today is the day our Savior has come. Today is the day of salvation. If only we will call upon Him, He will take our burdens and save our souls. In Jesus's name. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Have you ever seen a donkey? Many of the farms in my area are keeping donkeys in their pastures to ward off the coyotes. The next time you see one, stop and look for the cross on his back. NOT TOO CLOSE! Stay behind the fence. The purpose of the donkey is to kick away any danger. He would think that includes you too!

You might also enjoy The Easter Donkey, a picture book by Donna Thornton. 

She tells the story of a real donkey used by a church in our area to help reenact Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday is the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey. 

Some churches put on Easter Passion plays and invite the public. Like Christmas Pageants depicting the birth of Christ, so Easter Passion plays depict the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 

How are you preparing for Easter?