Lectio: Luke 19:28-40
March 26, 2010
After He had said these things, He was going on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied on which no one yet has ever sat ; untie it and bring it here. “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it.’ “ So those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt ?” They said, “The Lord has need of it.” They brought it to Jesus, and they threw their coats on the colt and put Jesus on it. As He was going, they were spreading their coats on the road. As soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, shouting : “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD ; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest !” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” But Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!”
Luke 19:28-40
At first reading, I’m thinking, “Grand Theft Larceny by the disciples.” They “borrow” the donkey? As I look closer and read over it again, the word “needs” stands out…Jesus needs the donkey. The Greek word for ’needs’ is chreia, usually translated as “a need, lack, or want” of something; I have often perceived this part of the Triumphal Entry as supernatural, Jesus – the King and Son of God – knows there will be a particular foal of a donkey tied on the outskirts of town.
Yet I feel and see something different today. More naturally supernatural, yet unexpected if I am the owner of the foal. I try to see myself as the owner of this animal. Would I argue if some people from my church came to take my motorcycle and said “The Master needs it.”? Would I give no further argument, like the owner here? If indeed I have pledged my life to Jesus, the King-Who-Comes-In-The-Name-Of-The-LORD riding on the foal of a donkey, does that not include everything I own? Can I participate and cooperate with His Reign when He asks for my things, my stuff? I want to Lord. I want to be a good steward and participate and cooperate with what You are doing always.
++Blessed be the King! O Lord, let not the rocks put us to shame, but I will yet praise You! I will praise You with my voice, with my life, and with my things! The King has arrived…long live the King! Amen++
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