DONKEYS & MULES: THE RIDE OF KINGS

Jesus was not showing humility when he rode a donkey on what we call his “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem. What the people saw was their king on the ride of kings. So they sang!

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!.

(Luke 19:38)

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Blessed is the King of Israel!

(John 12:13)

Webster defines a mule as the offspring of a horse and donkey. Judges 5:9-10 says, “My heart is with Israel’s princes….you who ride on white donkeys.” Judge Jair led Israel 22 years, and had 30 sons who rode 30 donkeys (Judges 10:3-4). Judge Abdon, who ruled Israel 8 years, had 70 sons and grandsons who rode on 70 donkeys (Judges 12:14).

II Samuel 18:9 says Absalom, King David’s son, rode on a mule. In I Kings 1:33,38,44, David ordained that his son, Solomon, ride on his own mule through the street as one proof that he chose Solomon to be the next king.

The people knew Jesus was not only riding the ride of kings, but was also at last fulfilling the prophecy they all knew well:

Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion!

See, your king is coming seated on a donkey’s colt!

(John 12:15; Zechariah 9:9)

And herein is the humility that Jesus did exhibit: He rode on the colt of a donkey. Still, even the colt was a sign to his followers. They knew so well the entire prophecy of Zechariah continued in 9:10, looking forward in time to that Triumphant Day:

He will proclaim peace to the nations!

His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River

To the ends of the earth!