Sermon: Using A Donkey

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, I want to speak to you about a humble creature that played a significant role in one of the most important events in human history: the donkey. In the Bible, we read about several instances where a donkey was used for a divine purpose. In fact, the donkey is mentioned over 140 times in the Bible, and its symbolism holds important lessons for us as believers today.

Let us begin with the story of Balaam and his donkey. Balaam was a prophet who was asked by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. However, God intervened and spoke to Balaam through his donkey, preventing him from cursing the Israelites. This story teaches us the importance of listening to God’s voice and following His will, even if it comes to us in unexpected ways. We must be open to receiving God’s guidance, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

Another story involving a donkey is the one of Samson, who killed a thousand Philistines using the jawbone of a donkey. This story teaches us the power of God’s strength and how He can use even the most unlikely things to accomplish His will. We should not underestimate what God can do through us, even if we feel weak or inadequate.

Perhaps the most well-known story involving a donkey is the one of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus rode on a donkey, the people welcomed Him with great fanfare, laying down palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). This event fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which says, “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.”

The symbolism of the donkey in this story is significant. The donkey was a humble animal that was often used for labor and transportation. Jesus’ choice to ride on a donkey instead of a horse or a chariot was a deliberate act of humility. It showed that He was not a conquering king coming to assert his power and dominance, but a humble servant who came to serve and save His people. The donkey, then, represents the humility and servant-heartedness that we should emulate as followers of Christ.

As we reflect on the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry, we are reminded of the importance of humility and service in our own lives. In a world that values power and success, it can be tempting to strive for recognition and status. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a different way of living. We are called to put others before ourselves, to serve those around us, and to follow Christ’s example of humility and selflessness.

In the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul writes, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:4-7).

Paul’s words remind us that as followers of Christ, we should have a servant’s heart, putting the needs of others before our own. We should not seek recognition or praise for our good deeds, but rather do them out of love for Christ and for others. We should be willing to humble ourselves and serve, just as Jesus did when He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.

Furthermore, the story of the donkey reminds us of the importance of being open to God’s will and guidance. Just as Balaam’s donkey was able to hear God’s voice and prevent Balaam from cursing the Israelites, we too must be open to God’s voice and direction in our lives. We must be willing to listen and obey, even if it comes to us in unexpected ways.

In the book of Proverbs, we read, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). When we trust in God and seek His will above our own, we can be confident that He will guide us on the right path.

Finally, the story of the donkey teaches us the power of prophecy and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Just as the prophecy of Zechariah was fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphal entry, we can trust in God’s promises for our own lives. We can be confident that He will fulfill His promises and bring about His plans for our lives.

As we reflect on the story of the donkey, we are reminded of the humility, servant-heartedness, and obedience that God calls us to as followers of Christ. May we be willing to serve others, listen to God’s voice, and trust in His promises, just as the donkey did when he carried Jesus into Jerusalem.

In conclusion, let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example of the donkey and the lessons we can learn from its role in the Bible. Help us to cultivate a heart of humility and servant-heartedness, putting the needs of others before our own. Help us to listen to Your voice and be open to Your guidance, trusting in Your promises for our lives. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

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