Yesterday, we celebrated Palm – Passion Sunday and our worship began with a retelling of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Joining the celebration of all who follow Jesus, we too waved palm branches as we sang our processional hymn. All four Gospels include a version of this part of Jesus’ story, as he enters the gates of Jerusalem and enters into the passion story that lays beyond. But Matthew’s version of the palm parade includes a most curious detail, quite unlike the other three.
“…Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me.” (read the full story from Matthew 21:1-11)
Mark, Luke & John describe the animal on which Jesus rides as a singular donkey. But Matthew includes the detail that there is a colt present too. The colt is understood to be the foal or male offspring of the donkey. That they are together, and pains are taken to keep them together, would suggest to me that the foal is likely still nursing. At such an age, a mother and son would not be separated.
So, if I’m correct, it was important to Matthew that his story of Jesus included the detail of Jesus riding on the back of a nursing mother with its infant in tow. This seems to magnify the humility of the scene in comparison to how a king or an emperor might be riding on a decorated horse. The horse is an armored instrument of war and destruction, while the nursing donkey is a symbol of life.
It’s as if Matthew is giving us another explanation in the formula of, “the kingdom of heaven is like…” where now the response is “a nursing mother that nourishes, provides, and protects her children.” Personally, I like this image of the kingdom of heaven. It creates another curious connection to an earlier part of the story, when Joseph & Mary fled with the infant Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s “slaughter of the innocents.” No donkey mentioned but still, a nursing mother ensures life in the face of death. The kingdom of heaven has come near indeed.
May God’s hope embrace you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Mothering God, you are the source of life. May your presence be nourishment for our souls, provision for our daily needs, and protection for all that seeks to do us harm. Amen.