The Donkey’s Call
A Palm Sunday reflection on carrying Christ with quiet, faithful presence
As we enter Palm Sunday this weekend, we remember Jesus’ quiet and surprising entry into Jerusalem. Not on a warhorse, but on a donkey. Not with force, but with humility.
Donkeys don’t often get the spotlight in the Bible. But these humble creatures, often overlooked and underestimated, embody qualities that are central to the heart of God: humility, service, and preparedness. They appear in several stories, including the Good Samaritan, the Triumphal Entry, and Balaam’s donkey, and together they paint a picture of what it means to live a life of quiet faithfulness, ready to serve at a moment’s notice.
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), a man is beaten, robbed, and left for dead on the side of the road. Religious leaders pass him by, but a Samaritan, a cultural outsider, stops to help. He tends to the man’s wounds, carries him to an inn, and ensures he is cared for. But have you ever noticed the donkey? In many artistic depictions of this story, the donkey stands quietly in the background, attentive and ready. It is the donkey that carries the injured man to safety, a humble servant doing its part in the work of mercy and compassion.
I was struck by this image recently during a retreat. In one piece of artwork, the donkey’s gentle eyes seemed to reflect a quiet readiness, a willingness to serve without fanfare or recognition. It reminded me that sometimes, God calls me to be the donkey, not the hero of the story, but the humble helper who makes the hero’s work possible. Am I willing to be that kind of servant? To carry the burdens of others, to stand ready, to do whatever is needed, even if no one notices?
Next, consider Balaam’s donkey (Numbers 22). This story is both strange and wonderful. Balaam, a prophet, is on his way to curse the Israelites when his donkey suddenly stops in its tracks. Balaam, frustrated and blind to the danger ahead, strikes the donkey. But the donkey, who can see what Balaam cannot, an angel blocking the path, speaks up, asking why it is being mistreated. Eventually, Balaam’s eyes are opened, and he realizes the donkey has saved his life. Here, the donkey is not just a servant but a messenger, a mouthpiece for God.
This story challenges me to consider how often I miss what God is doing because I am too focused on my own agenda. The donkey, with its attentiveness and perception, reminds me to listen for God’s voice, which can come from unexpected places. Am I attentive to the ways God might be speaking to me, even through the “donkeys” in my life? Am I willing to be the donkey, speaking truth when others cannot see it?
Finally, there is the Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21). Jesus, the King of Kings, enters Jerusalem not on a majestic warhorse but on a humble donkey. This act is rich with symbolism. The donkey, a creature of peace, reflects the humility and gentleness of Christ’s mission. It is a powerful reminder that God’s kingdom is not about power and prestige but about humility and service. The donkey, unassuming and lowly, becomes a vessel for the Savior, carrying Him toward the cross.
Am I willing to be the donkey, carrying Christ into the world in humble, unimpressive ways? Am I ready to lay aside the desire for recognition and instead focus on serving others, even if it means going unnoticed?
Donkeys may not be glamorous, but they are steadfast, loyal, and resilient. They can survive in harsh conditions, thrive on little, and carry heavy loads without complaint. They are attentive to their surroundings and ready to respond when called upon. In many ways, they embody the kind of life Jesus calls us to: a life of humility, service, and preparedness.
As we step into Holy Week, perhaps the invitation is simple.
Am I willing to be the donkey in God’s story? To carry the burdens of others, to speak truth when others cannot see it, to carry Christ into the world with humility and grace? The donkey’s call is a call to quiet faithfulness, to a life of service that may go unnoticed by the world but is deeply cherished by the One who matters most.
Though Holy Week is passed, I find myself still lingering, even with the strong reminder of resurrection season. I love donkeys in general, mostly because I am a fan of Eeyore (friend of Winnie the Pooh) and also I've had a chance to be around donkeys at Trinity Retreat Center, where they have a donkey sanctuary/ministry section. They are gentle creatures and their eyes were a sight to behold, along with stroking their body and tail as they allowed. I can imagine the reassurance they offer to any rider, and in particular to Jesus as he had to navigate a large crowd shouting praise, adoration and demonstrating their protest against the current regime. How the colt carried on and stay steady carrying the Lord in the midst of the chaos. Surely, Jesus was comforted, assured and felt held.
Along with the other 2 donkey moments, another favorite Bible story for me was also about Balaam. I often laugh about the exchange, however, your insight offers me added layers of responsibility I guess I didn't consider and if anything, there's affirmation for my "outside of theological soundness" moments when I engage in conversations with others where I wonder how much foolishness needs to show up to them until they awaken too.
Lastly, this visio divina art, truly a beautiful piece to sit longer with. In addition to pointing to the donkey's presence and gaze, I appreciate that it is a woman, Samaritan, in need of care and I wonder how much of the underlying invitation impetus for more compassion and kindness in our world. That we are to carry and tarry for the sisters as they're often first target of harassment and harm. How ready the donkey is to bring her to safety. I imagine this also was the case in the imagined scene of pregnant Mary being carried to safety as they were on the run from harm too.
My comments are quite lengthy. So sorry. This is simply me saying thank you and I hold these words close in my space with God in this season of Easter. Goodness and delight to Mosaic Formation friends.
Thought provoking insights here David. Sensing the Lord’s invitation through your words here. Thank you!