Contributed by Abbey Thangiah • Apr 4, 2023

Once upon a time, imagine you owned a donkey in the era where there was no bible and internet. You lived in one of the houses in Jalan Bethphage 2/32. The Word was preached only in temples. You didn’t even have a notebook or an iPad to write the sermon notes. You had to memorise what was said then discuss it with your friends when you hung out.  You only know your surroundings and probably another town called Taman Bethany. You probably ate the same breakfast, lunch and dinner. Life was a very simple but traditional and ritualistic style where you observed certain celebrations. You took your donkey, went to work in the fields at sunrise and returned during sunset.  Your main source of income was this simple donkey. 

One fine day, when you were walking back home from work, you heard of some teacher named Jesus who raised Lazarus from the dead after 4 days. He had a group of people who were always following him wherever he went.  You don’t know whether it’s true or not. I mean, you heard some of his miracles by this point but raising Lazarus from the dead? “ You definitely can’t beat this one.”  You don’t even know who this guy is and why Jesus would raise him in the first place.  You say to yourself, “If he raised my wife, at least I don’t have to be alone. At least there is someone to clean the house and update me with the latest news”

Some time later, you get a loud knock on your door. You rush out and this man comes to you and asks “Give me your donkey.” “WHAT?” You are surprised. He did not even say “please” . You feel like slamming the door but decide to know further. “Why do you need it anyway?” “The Lord needs it.” Wow, the nerve of this man. Then you remember the story about Jesus and Lazarus  and the gossip in the fields and all over town about how Jesus was known for his miracles and may even be the Lord they have been waiting for. You think to yourself “ Could this be real? Does this man who raised Lazarus actually want to ride on my donkey?“ 

Then you are humbled and a warm feeling fills your heart. “The Lord needs my donkey.” Out of all the abled horses and better breeds out there, the Lord needs my donkey. “Will I get it back? How am I going to plough the fields? “ Your thoughts keep going back and forth. Finally, after struggling, you surrender and untie your donkey and give it to the Lord’s disciple. 

A few hours later you see Jesus riding on your donkey. People were waving palm leaves and putting their cloaks on the ground. “He must be Lord.” No donkey in history has ever been exalted and walked on people’s cloaks. You smile and there is this peace that fills your heart because you played a small part in the Messiah’s grand welcoming. 

It is interesting that this simple story is included in the Holy Week saga. Even if the Saga began with the grand procession in Jerusalem, it wouldn’t change the crux of the story. Yet, the Holy Week saga begins with the humility and surrender of the donkey’s owner.  

The echoes of Esther 4:14 rings in my head “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish.” If the owner said no, the disciples would probably look for another donkey. We must understand that there was no bible, internet nor any other reference to check whether Jesus was Lord or not. The man had to seek God and follow his heart with what he knew from the first five books and the Torah. He probably gave away his only donkey to Jesus. 

I pray that we surrender and humble ourselves this Holy Week.