A Colt for Christ - Matthew 21: 1-11

I have done some cursory study of the Jewish feasts as fulfilled by Christ and each time, I have been struck by the symbolism and completion in relating the two. In preparation for today’s mini study, I have found yet another point to consider. I’ll back up and see if I can summarize the general ideas.

Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, on the 10th of Nissan. This was also the day that the Jews chose their Passover lamb, the one which must be without blemish. The lamb then had to stay with them for the coming days to fatten it up and be sure that it remained unblemished. We would agree, I think, that the lamb was symbol of Christ and the sacrifice to reconcile us to Christ.

So, yes, I have always associated the lamb with this story, but today I am focusing on the donkey colt. Since the colt was tied up with its mother, some say it was still not weaned and only up to six months old. However, a donkey is not of mature age to be used for work until it is at least 3 years old and continues to grow and mature until is it six or seven years old. I really don’t think that our Lord would ride a six-month-old donkey colt; it simply doesn’t make sense for someone well versed in animal husbandry (and the universe!). It is more likely that the bonding and companionship aspect of donkeys was the cause for the colt and mother to be tied together. Apparently, donkeys have strong attachment bonds and need to be around their companions so they do not suffer from separation. Cute, eh? But it also makes the point that Christ came to reconcile us to the Father, who did not want to be separated from us.

The new connection that I made in researching for today was about the Old Testament laws of the firstborn. Exodus 13:13 allows for the substitution of the firstborn donkey by a lamb. We don’t know if this colt was a firstborn, but it is interesting that our redemptive lamb goes to sacrifice while riding it. He takes our place to redeem us.

Donkeys are rather common animals, but then Jesus was never one for something more. He made connections with the common man. He grew up in a carpenter’s home. He hung out with fishermen. He gathered tax collectors and sinners to his side. He had nothing to do with kings or princes, the aristocrats or the ruling class. He sought the people and connected with us. Why not chose an animal that is also common to enter the temple courts? That is where he goes upon entering the city, to the temple. He drove out those who were buying or selling, and the children cried out ‘Hosanna to the Son of David.’ Hosanna translates to ‘save us, please!’ as if begging for action; and Jesus obliges.

I still really get a kick out of the fact that the Jewish Passover celebration is built around the storytelling of the exodus from Egypt. It is the celebration of the release from bondage. There is no mistaking the time of year that Christ died, was buried, and rose again. The overlapping of the Jewish tradition of retelling the Israelite story of freedom from slavery and the Christian recognition of the King of Kings releasing us from slavery is no mistake or coincidence.

Jesus came to reach out to us, the everyday in our everyday. It was no mistake that he died and was buried and rose again. He did so, as He did in the Exodus, to free us from the oppression around us and set us in the place of joy and right fellowship with the Father. Most Jews of the day did not understand this, but we have the opportunity to grab hold with both hands. Hosanna!