On Palm Sunday, Christians around the world remember a unique moment from the Bible: Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. Unlike a conquering hero on a mighty horse, Jesus chose a humble donkey for his journey. This decision wasn’t just practical; it carried deep symbolic meaning, reflecting Jesus’s teachings on peace, humility, and the nature of his kingdom.

The story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey is told in all four Gospels, each highlighting different aspects of the event. In Matthew 21:1-11, Jesus instructs his disciples to find him a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, which says, “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.” This prophecy emphasized the coming of a king who would bring peace, not war.

Mark 11:1-10 and Luke 19:28-38 also recount this event, focusing on the reception of Jesus by the crowds, who spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting praises. John’s Gospel (John 12:12-15) similarly highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and the recognition of Jesus as the king of Israel by the people.

The choice of a donkey, a common animal used for work and transportation by the everyday people of Jesus’s time, over a horse, a symbol of war and power, was a clear message. Jesus was demonstrating a different kind of kingship and authority—one rooted in service, peace, and humility. The horse, often associated with royalty and military might, would have sent a very different message, one of conquest and domination.

This profound moment invites reflection on leadership and power. Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey challenges the traditional images of kingship and power, suggesting that true strength lies in humility and service to others. It’s a reminder that the path to true greatness isn’t through dominance or force, but through compassion, kindness, and peace.

The biblical account of Jesus on a donkey focuses on Jesus’s message and mission, highlighting the contrast between the peace he offered and the expectations of worldly power and conquest.

As we commemorate Palm Sunday, the story of Jesus and the donkey serves as a powerful lesson on the values of peace and humility. It reminds us that leadership and strength are best expressed through service and love, offering a timeless message that resonates with believers worldwide.

—Josh Mullins—