Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture comes from Matthew 21, verses 1-3: When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 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. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” (NRSV)
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday. It will certainly be unlike any I have experienced, with virtual worship and all, but the event remains just as important. Sunday we will hear about Jesus coming into Jerusalem for his final time. He knows what he will face there, yet he still has things to do and preparations to make for the week. Part of his need includes finalizing how he will enter the city. Have you ever wondered why Jesus sent his disciples for a donkey? Why would the King of the Jews not come on a majestic white steed? Also, how does he know the owner will "send them immediately" when the disciples explain the Lord needs them?
I believe Jesus came into Jerusalem humbly as one of the final indications that his kingdom was very different than the Jews expected. A white steed would indicate a very different type of king. Also, doesn’t Jesus know the heart and mind of us all, meaning he had no doubt what the donkey owner’s reaction would be.
Yet, those words, “The Lord needs them,” can apply to so many things. The Lord needs our open hearts and minds. The Lord needs our willingness to serve. The Lord needs the church, the people, to be his hands and feet in the world now. The Lord needs our courage. The Lord needs our hope and trust. The Lord needs them....no, the Lord needs us. What an honor and privilege that is! May we respond by sending/giving what he needs, immediately.
Blessings. And prayers.
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