The Donkey Whisperer
This Sunday is Palm Sunday, the day on which we remember Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem. Luke tells us that he chose to ride into town on “a colt that has never been ridden.” It would have been a young “unbroken” donkey. Was he not worried at all about getting thrown off the back of a stubborn, kicking, bucking donkey that no one had ever trained? How did he do that?
I read that donkeys are best trained by those who do not bully or “break” them, but rather by those who “gentle” them–earning their trust and loyalty with love. They are known as “Donkey Whisperers.” For only when a donkey is treated gently and lovingly can this otherwise ornery, stubborn creature become the loyal, affectionate, and hard-working companion they are capable of being.
Was Jesus a Donkey Whisperer? Did he say and do something for that little colt which tamed its fears and earned its trust? All we know is that there is no record of Jesus being kicked or thrown by an unbroken colt!
Is this not how he has earned our love and trust?–not by force, fear, guilt, threats, or bullying, but by gentle, faithful, compassion and love. This is the kind of Savior we celebrate every time we gather for worship. I hope to see you Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Callie
