Jesus sat on a pure-bred donkey for his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11). Although serving as a lowly beast of burden, the donkey served Jesus. Thus the donkey received honor. Paul urges us to devote ourselves to the Lord “which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1-2).
What does a donkey signify in the Bible?
In contrast to Grecian works, donkeys were portrayed in Biblical works as symbols of service, suffering, peace and humility. They are also associated with the theme of wisdom in the Old Testament story of Balaam’s ass, and are seen in a positive light through the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Is a donkey mentioned in the Bible?
Donkeys hold the distinction in the Bible as being one of the earliest and most frequently mentioned animals in the text.
Where in the Bible does it mention donkeys?
In the New Testament (Mark 11:1-11) it is told that as Jesus approached the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples to a nearby village to fetch him a donkey, or exactly an Onager or wild donkey. Upon their return, Jesus then rode the donkey into Jerusalem where he was met by cheering crowds.
Why did Jesus use a donkey?
He was solemnly entering as a humble King of peace. Traditionally, entering the city on a donkey symbolizes arrival in peace, rather than as a war-waging king arriving on a horse.
What does a donkey represent spiritually?
Donkey Symbolism Facts & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal. … The donkey is an understated symbol of determination and a strong will. They are very dedicated, and they seem to not tire easily. It’s true that scientifically they are very strong and durable, but they still grow tired.
Who did God speak to through a donkey?
After Balaam starts punishing the donkey for refusing to move, it is miraculously given the power to speak to Balaam (Numbers 22:28), and it complains about Balaam’s treatment.
What is the symbolic meaning of a donkey?
Donkey spirit animal is a symbol of hard work, determination, will power, and stubbornness. …
Why did God choose a donkey?
Jesus wanted to let his disciples know that he was not sending them on a “go-for” mission—the equivalent of a modern day Starbuck’s run. Little did these two disciples know that their task was critical to the Palm Sunday event. They are to retrieve a donkey, which is perhaps the most overlooked character in the story.
Is there a cross on a donkeys back?
Almost all donkeys have a cross on their back; they have a dorsal stripe running down from the poll (between the ears) to the tip of their tail. The “cross” is a perpendicular line through the dorsal stripe across the withers and down over the shoulders.
What was Jesus’s donkey?
The Christian donkey or the Jerusalem Donkey. The cross on the donkey’s back is widely thought to be from the Easter story.
Why did Jesus use a donkey and a colt?
It’s no coincidence that when Jacob speaks of Christ to his son Judah, Jacob also speaks of the colt and donkey. Seriously, you’ll get goosebumps when you see this! That’s why Jesus needed both the donkey and the colt. They fulfill this prophecy.
What does Hosanna in the highest mean?
The word hosanna (Latin osanna, Greek ὡσαννά, hōsanná) is from Hebrew הושיעה־נא, הושיעה נא hôšîʿâ-nā and related to Aramaic ܐܘܿܫܲܥܢܵܐ (ʾōshaʿnā) meaning ‘save, rescue, savior’. In the Hebrew Bible it is used only in verses such as “help” or “save, I pray” (Psalms 118:25).