A King on a Donkey

There is a feeling of excitement in the air. A king is coming and everyone is running to the streets to catch sight of him. Will he be riding in a golden chariot pulled by a team of white horses? Will he be riding upon a big, beautiful stallion? No, not this king. It is Jesus, and He is riding on a little donkey.
While Jesus was on His way to the city of Jerusalem His friends found a young donkey for Him to ride. Instead of a saddle, they put their coats on the donkey's back for Jesus to sit on. The closer He got to the city, the more people there were who came to see Him. People were all around! They were singing: "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). As the people sang, they spread their coats on the ground in front of the donkey. Some people also spread branches on the ground. This was like "rolling out the red carpet!"
If Jesus is a king, why is He riding on a donkey? Donkeys are farm animals that pull plows and carry heavy loads. Aren't kings supposed to ride big horses?
This story tells us two things about Jesus. First, He was the Savior the prophets predicted would come. Zechariah 9:9 said the Savior would come to Jerusalem on a donkey! Second, this tells us that Jesus is the king of peace. Horses were used in war; donkeys were used on the farm during peaceful times. The kingdom of Jesus is not built by war and fighting, but by people living peaceful lives and loving everyone like God loves them.

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).
"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9).

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