“This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, ‘Say to the daughter of Zion, “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”’” (Matthew 21:4-5)
These two verses are Matthew’s effort to explain Jesus’ entering Jerusalem on a donkey to the reader. I think Matthew is doing more than giving us a parenthetical explanation, though.
He is making a theological point by referencing Zechariah 9:9, which was regarded as a messianic prophecy. Jesus intentionally rode into the city on a donkey at Passover to signal at least two things.
First, the animal represented humility and nobility. Humility is likely easy to see. However, the nobility may be more challenging to recognize. It seems to me that Jesus is making a natural connection to Solomon, the son of David, riding a donkey immediately following his inauguration as king in 1 Kings 1:33-38. Jesus was signaling his connection to David (2 Samuel 7).
Second, Passover was an annual feast that commemorated God’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt. On this Passover, God was providing a much more significant deliverance for all who would receive it. That deliverance is still on offer: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Father, please help me to see these types of connections in your word. Please use them to help me see your glory. Amen.
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