By Rena Oynes © March 25, 2018
Two donkeys walked down the road on Passover Day.
Celebrations abounded in the city of Jerusalem as many people had amassed for the week long celebration. Many either kept their distance or teemed around one called Jesus. Some were Pharisees who didn’t want others to note their allegiance to King Jesus. Others boldly proclaimed Jesus was King, the Messiah prophesied in the scrolls given to prophets (Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”)
The priest were astounded by the crowds. They were much heavier than usual.
They came to see the man they opposed and to see what all the fuss was about.
The path took on a heavenly welcomed glow for Angels surrounded the special one, the chosen one of the most high God who was called to save all.
On the path were thrown cloaks of every hue (2 Kings 1:19 They quickly took their cloaks and spread them under him on the bare steps. Then they blew the trumpet and shouted, “Jehu is king!”). Rich men cloaks and poor man’s cloaks were thrown were intermingled and unrecognizable as with joy they paid homage to Jesus.
Palm branches were thrown across the path (symbolizing submission).)
Others waved their palms to exult Jesus. Many among them had gathered to hear Jesus. Like sheep they followed their shepherd.
The masses formed as they had heard Jesus was coming on the path soon. They had already planned the words in their hearts to sing as soon as He appeared: “Hosanna!” Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord – the King of Israel!!” They could hardly wait to hear His voice of Hope once again. Others gathered out of curiosity. Still others were like vultures waiting to catch some word or wrong doing of the law. They were in their attack mode.
Those who followed their King from place to place hearts began racing, they only hoped they could catch a glimpse of Him this day. Thank goodness it was a sunny day with sunbeams filtering through the palm trees. Having arrived early, people started stripping palms leaves from the the trees and throwing them on the path along with their cloaks. Anything for their King. Some palm leaves were retained to wave when Jesus past by. Joy was mounting and songs arose among the people. Tears rolled down the cheeks of many as they stood and waited.
Straining their necks, they saw a mature donkey leading the way. What, no Jesus. Their King should be riding this donkey who had held many kings and royalty before.
Eyes searching, they saw Jesus riding on a foal. (Ezekiel 9:9 …See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a foal of a donkey.)
The mature donkey walked ahead with no one on his back. Some people thought the Lord in the scrolls would be a warrior king to destroy the enemy, their enemy, Rome. . That type of king would have ridden the mature donkey as many had ridden in times past.
Jesus, was a different type of king, who touched the sick and healed everyone who believed. Jesus who performed the miraculous. One example was multiplication of five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. Jesus who turned around lives who were outcast due to their sin. Jesus who forgave their sins. People who had had no hope, now filled with hope. They became like their master, Jesus, always serving God, always giving Him the praise. One example was the woman at the well, a woman of ill repute. She believed in what Jesus spoke and He forgave all her sins. She ran back to her village and told everyone about Jesus. She a women who no one wanted to have anything to do with became one of the first evangelist. Forgiven! Forgiven!
People who were forgiven were anxious to tell everyone around about Jesus, the one who saves people from their sins! The one who gives life and life eternally. “Go tell everyone you know about Jesus” became their calling.
That day the many who had had their lives changed by Him and were forgiven their sins were at the the celebration to honor their King. No longer was an animal, a spotless animal needed to carry the sins of the people and be killed. Before the people stood Jesus who would bear their sins on the cross in a few days.
Are you the ones who are forgiven and “Tell people everywhere you go about Jesus” or are you the ones who yet need to be forgiven by Jesus? He’s waiting! Are you ready to hear the word, “Forgiven”.
thedailylily.com 
Rena, as you give this message of the ‘Easter Story’ to the young children you teach in Sunday School do they understand?
As I shopped around the stories a little this year I only saw one message, candy….I guess many might think it’s a sweet story.
I know my students in Sunday School know the true story as we have been working all year about what the story really means and how it applies to them. I use to do the story as is and a work sheet and games. Kids really enjoy the in-depth study. I find they ask a lot more questions and it makes the stories real to their lives. Last week they asked a lot of questions about Jesus’s last days.
Of course they still love their Easter candy and whatever else they receive.
YAY! I love my candy as well.
Rena,
God bless you for teaching the next generation about the TRUE story of Jesus. I pray they listen, receive, and accept Jesus as their personal Savior, and live in obedience to HIs Word. I can’t help but share………this RESURRECTION morning……from the book of Matthew. Read with me….”.Matthew 28 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Has Risen
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is NOT HERE; he has RISEN, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
As I read your story Rena, I thought about the setting you spoke of for that day…”it was a sunny day with sunbeams filtering through the palm trees.” and “Others waved their palms to exult Jesus. Many among them had gathered to hear Jesus. Like sheep they followed their shepherd.”
Then thinking and reading on in Matthew that not many days later the mood and attitude changes. Jesus is persecuted, heads for that Cross and the cost of following Him seems so great that even Peter, His disciple, “followed Him at a distance” (Matt 26:58) and then denies Him three times.
So interesting you note the difference in atmosphere and mood. You are so right and then three days later the atmosphere and mood changes again. First Jesus is honored as King. Days later outside group yells crucify and the follows distance themselves. Then Jesus arises and the atmosphere and mood changes again among the followers of Jesus.
I wonder if it also doesn’t depict events of today. Do we enjoy are walk immensely with Jesus and then cave in and distance ourselves when people totally oppose what we stand for. Or do we stand with Jesus no matter what group we are with. Here we see atmosphere and mood changes.
I want to add to the application today: In Matthew 10: 32-34 NIV reads
32. Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
34. Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Love the provocative writings of Matthew Henry on John 20. “There were other signs and proofs of our Lord’s resurrection, but these were committed to writing, that all might believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the Savior of sinners, and the Son of God; that, by this faith, they might obtain eternal life, by his mercy, truth, and power. May we believe that Jesus is the Christ, and believing may we have life through his name.” Matthew Henry On John 20
Thank you for sharing the commentary, Sara. It is very encouraging to read and think on and Amen “that all might believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah”…
I also like what Debi said, but I love that if we believe in Him, we have life through Him which is so exciting to me to experience that relationship as we walk hand in hand with Christ, and we get to see the changed lives of people and people living like Christ who directs their lives.
I want to share my beautiful Easter Story…a special gent from up North that only knows me by my spiritual gift being a part of a life of one of his relatives. He has written me a few “thank you” notes which I thought really special. He and his family are very devoted Catholics. This week for Easter I received this gift.
“Thank you, Sara. My wishes to you…
Knowing that prayer is ecumenical, and wanting to send you as many prayers for your intentions as I could for Easter, I mailed you an Easter card from the Maryknoll missionary fathers and brothers. I sent them your name – as well as that of two cousins of mine. They will pray for you on Easter with all the prayers of that service (The Mass could be seen as a prayer unto itself.) for what your intentions or prayer needs might be.” WOW, what a gift! To be honest I really didn’t understand “prayers of intentions.” But, I prayed my personal best and knew in my heart there were 700 children in a special orphanage in China that I wanted prayer for. Therefore, I have included them in the prayers where my name is listed. I’m so thankful to have others join me in prayers.
One of my other stories, an old friend, that meaning one I’v known for years and worked in ministry with sent me an Easter check to use as I want. WOW! Again, I want my prayer of intention to be, what do I want with my gift? I have a long list but I want the desire of my heart to spring from the mind of Christ to be my mind and my dollars delight the heart 💜 of Our Heavenly Father.
Jesus asked for a donkey to give Him a ride? What would you ask for? 🤔
I appreciated reading both of your stories, Sara. They really are beautiful as well as showing such thoughtful and special gifts.
What a special thing for others to collectively pray intentionally for you and for the heart cry of us all for the 700 children in the orphanage. Precious children and so many more. Love you also get to spend your special gift anyway you want.🤔🙏🤔🙏
I agree in prayer for these precious children in the orphanage.