The Wisdom of the Donkey

Matthew 21:1-11 - 1 When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, just say this, "The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately. " 4 This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey." 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!" 10 When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11 The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."

I want to know if she knew.  I have often wondered if that simple unassuming beast of burden understood what she was being asked to do.  Did she in her own donkey way know who it was that was seated upon her?  Did she know? 

Did she know that she was carrying the one who was called the "anointed one" into the gates of the city?  Did she understand what the crowds were crying out as she walked past?  Did she know?

They may sound ludicrous, but these questions have often danced through my mind this time of year.

However, as ridiculous as these questions may sound, I think they may in fact lead us to something deeper than the contemplation of the mind and thoughts of a donkey.

Could the same questions be applied to us on this Palm Sunday weekend?

Consider this...
Do we know?  Do we understand what it is that we are being asked to do?  Do we in our own human way know who it is that asks to utilize our gifts and talents?  Do we know? 

Do we know that we carry with us the one who is called the "anointed one" into our city?  Do we understand what the crowds cry out as we walk past?

Do we know?

On this Palm Sunday weekend, I am humbled by the fact that God has chosen us - frail, broken, wonderful human beings - to bring the Good News of God's love and grace into our world.  How incredible!

You and I are asked to be the instruments of Easter. 

"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"