The following is chapter 19 in the children’s series, If They Could Talk, the story of our redemption as it unfolds from Genesis to Revelation. This is the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Matthew 21, Luke 19, and John 12.
My Friends,
Now was the time; three years of teaching, three years of signs, three years of hope—was this the day? It was Passover week; Jerusalem full of the faithful. And He rides into town on my back! An indescribable privilege then; still is today. I must tell you why.
He deserved better that day; a white stallion a better choice. I admit that, but He requested me. To be called a colt is nice but the truth be told, I was just a young donkey. Nothing prepared me for that day; in fact, never before had I even a rider. Some tell me I was set aside for this sacred task. I believe them.
The day began as any other, tethered near my mother. Unannounced, two men came and untied us. Were they thieves? My master thought so. He demanded an explanation. Their simple response satisfied him: “The Lord has need of it.” “Why would He need us?” I whispered to mother as they whisked us away. She knew who I was talking about; all of us animals knew. Creation groaned for this time for centuries. The Messiah was here, and His name was Jesus. And he needed me?
In His presence, I watched as His followers took their cloaks and threw them on my back. And then He sat. His weight was no burden but something else pressed heavy. It is difficult to explain; the best way I can is with a question or two. How much does holiness weigh? Can a colt bear deity’s glory?
We made our way toward Jerusalem. Others joined the growing parade. Some took their cloaks, others cut palms—a triumphal carpet lined the way. Nothing was organized; nothing was planned. But the masses came; jubilation and praise sprung from mouths: “Blessed is the King Who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Others joined as we neared the city’s gate: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Not all were happy. The Pharisees and religious leaders demanded Jesus silence the praise. I slowed as He addressed them. His words sent shivers and shut their mouths: “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” You should have seen their faces!
The gate now before us, I felt drops of wet upon my mane. In the midst of the celebration, He was weeping. I heard His lament. He saw through their excitement; He would be received today but rejected tomorrow. The offer of peace refused, there would be war. Utter destruction would come He said. His final words before dismounting explained: “Because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
You see, my friends, the price of rejecting God’s Messiah is high—it costs everything. Do you believe He is the Messiah, my friend? The One sent offering peace and bringing man back to God?
Sometime later I heard words from the Sacred Book; words spoken long ago by the prophet Zechariah. To my great surprise, they spoke of me; more significantly, they spoke of Him—prophetic words describing the day I carried Him through Jerusalem’s gate: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is He, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
I shuttered hearing the prophecy. The ancient words were fulfilled that day. He had brought salvation with Him. I know; I was there.
You must believe,
The Colt