“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’ (Luke 19:30–34, NIV84)

I chuckle a little every time I read the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I try to put myself in the place of the disciples hearing Jesus give us the command to go to some guy’s house and untie his donkey and bring it to Him, and if the man asks why you are taking his donkey tell him, “The Lord needs it.” Of course we don’t say anything to Jesus, but as we walk into town we are thinking to ourselves, “I sure hope the man is not there.” What a predicament Jesus seems to be getting us into.

So we walk into town. We see the donkey and its foal outside the house. We go there and untie them so we can take them to Jesus. Just as we are releasing the last knot in the rope, a man comes out of the house and wants to know what we are doing with his donkeys. You see, this looks a lot like stealing. We gulp and use the words that Jesus told us to use. “The Lord needs it.” And the man lets us go! Amazing! If you look at the original language of the text, it could be translated, “Its Lord has need of it.” But regardless, did you catch the main point? Jesus, for the first time, I think, has referred to Himself as the Lord. “Tell him, the Lord needs it.” Jesus enters Jerusalem as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He is in absolute control of all that is happening on this day and for the rest of Holy Week.

Let’s remember this event the next time we feel God pushing us in a direction that we aren’t so sure of. When that happens, let’s be confident that He is the Lord and He is in control.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church