“Exult greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem!
Behold: your king is coming to you,
A just savior is he,
Humble and riding on a donkey”
-Zechariah 9
“An ox knows its owner,
And an ass, its master’s manger,
But Israel does not know,
My people have not understood.”
-Isaiah 1:3
Donkeys were unassuming, yet highly important creatures to the rhythms of both urban and agricultural life in Biblical times. Although not as prevalent in use today as they were thousands of years ago, they have proven to be quite useful particularly in guarding herds from foxes or wolves. According to World Animal Protection, they are highly intelligent and social animals: forming bonds with other donkeys, their owners, having excellent memory of places and objects, and being able to evaluate risks in situations.
The donkey appears several times in the Scriptures, from the Old to the New Testament. Unlike the horse, which is known for its towering stature, elegant appearance, and association with war, donkeys were considered beasts of burden.They carried packs of belongings when people traveled. However, these simple creatures, although indeed physically useful, had much spiritual significance.
The Gospels do not explicitly mention Mary and Joseph journeying with a donkey to Bethlehem, but many traditional images depict them doing so…and because they stayed in a stable, it is very likely that there was at least one donkey present at the birth of Jesus. On the week of His Passion and Death, He also instructed His disciples to find a colt on which He could ride into Jerusalem for His triumphant entry.
It is no coincidence that the donkey is one of the animals associated with Our Lord. Primarily, it is a lowly, simple animal, often given menial tasks–unassuming and humble in appearance. It points to the reality that the King of all creation, the Savior of the world, chose to humble Himself by taking on the lowly nature of humankind. As it is said in the Suffering Servant, “He had majestic bearing to catch our eye, no beauty to draw us to him” (Isaiah 53:2). Many donkeys even have the marking of a cross on their backs!
Let us ask God to give us the grace to recognize His Son in the simple, humble aspects of our daily lives.
