THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:1-7
“When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it.” (Mark 11:7)
When the pope came to America, he opted to be driven in a Fiat.
“His choice to stick to an understated classic in a country where big cars rule the road and in a city that favours idling Suburban SUVs seemed to be giving Francis’s first meaningful message to his American hosts: that he is a humble man, and one who tries to avoid the trappings of his elected office as Bishop of Rome.” (theguardian.com)
His choice of a car sends a strong message; He was following in the way of Jesus.
Jesus opts for a lowly untrained, unbroken colt.
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
What is the meaningful message that Jesus wants to give:
— that He is not like human kings or presidents, full of themselves
— that He does not use power to manipulate and control people
— that He is humble, not pompous or arrogant or strong
— that He rides with the ‘little’ people, who cannot afford bigger, fancier cars/horses
— that He comes to level all people, to lift up the humble and bring down the proud
It is a powerful image, one that still catches the attention of the media today.
Who do you ride with?
What message does how you live and move among people communicate?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me to bring hope and joy to those who feel forgotten or humbled. May how I ride bring a meaningful message to those who see You and me traveling through life together.