The King on a Donkey: A Different Kind of Triumph
The Daily Devotional
Sunday, April 13, 2025
The King on a Donkey: A Different Kind of Triumph
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah_9:9)
Introduction
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem not with royal pomp but with profound humility. The crowd laid palm branches at His feet, crying “Hosanna!” fulfilling this ancient prophecy from Zechariah. This image of triumph through humility challenges our expectations and reframes the very nature of victory in the Kingdom of God.
Reflection
The world often celebrates power, prestige, and overwhelming strength. Yet Jesus chose the path of meekness. He didn’t ride in on a war horse; He came on a borrowed donkey. His procession was not one of soldiers, but of children, peasants, and the brokenhearted. In doing so, He turned worldly ideas of power upside down.
A pastor once shared a story about attending a military parade. The armored vehicles, precision marching, and fighter jet flyovers left the crowd in awe. But then, as he left the event, he saw something that stuck with him more than all the firepower. Down a quiet side street, a young man in a wheelchair, a wounded veteran, was making his way home—silently, humbly, but with quiet resolve. “There goes a real hero,” the pastor thought.
So it was with Jesus. The real victory was not in outward power, but in sacrificial love and obedience to the Father’s will—even unto death on a cross.
Application
Palm Sunday calls us to examine how we define greatness. Are we chasing worldly triumphs, or are we modeling the servant-leadership of Christ? We are invited to join the parade—not with crowns of gold, but with hearts laid low in worship.
In your relationships, are you riding a high horse or walking in Christ’s humility? In your ministry, are you seeking applause or God’s approval? True discipleship embraces the cross, not the crown.
Conclusion
As we wave our symbolic palms today, let’s remember: Jesus’ greatest glory came not through domination, but through surrender. He is the King who came for peace—not with a sword, but with nail-scarred hands. And this King still rides into the hearts of those who make room for Him, not on thrones, but in humility.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You came not to be served, but to serve. You chose the path of humility and love, even when it led to suffering. Teach us to walk as You walked—to choose humility over pride, service over status, and love over power. As we begin Holy Week, may we not merely wave palms with our hands, but surrender our hearts. Come, King Jesus, ride into our lives again. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
