Animals of the Bible · Hills · Domestic

The Donkey

The humble bearer of the Savior to Jerusalem

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Key verse
Zechariah 9:9
Where it lived
The stony roads of Judea, the Mount of Olives and the gates of Jerusalem
What it reminds us of
Humility, peace, faithful service and the fulfilling of God’s prophecies
Illustration: The Donkey

Stories from Scripture

The Donkey in the stories of the Bible

  1. Jesus Christ

    Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem

    On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem not on a proud war horse, but humbly, riding the colt of a donkey. The crowds spread their cloaks and branches on the road, crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”

    Matthew 21:1-9

  2. Balaam

    Balaam’s donkey and the angel of the Lord

    When the prophet Balaam was traveling against God’s will, his donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword and stopped to save her master from danger, and God opened her mouth to speak.

    Numbers 22:21-35

  3. Joseph and Mary

    The road to Bethlehem

    Christian tradition remembers the faithful little donkey that patiently carried Mary along the long road from Nazareth to Bethlehem, before the birth of the child Jesus. (The Bible itself does not mention it.)

    Luke 2:1-7

Wonders of Creation

Did you know?

  • Donkeys have a remarkable memory for places: they can remember routes they traveled even a quarter of a century ago!

  • Their big ears not only hear sounds from kilometers away, they also help them cool their blood in the heat of the desert.

  • The donkey is not stubborn, but very cautious: when it senses a hidden danger, it stops to protect itself and its rider.

What the donkey teaches us

True greatness is shown through humility and service

Jesus, the King of the universe, chose the humblest animal to enter Jerusalem. God values a simple and pure heart far more than the pomp and pride of this world.

How we can live this out today

Be ready to help without looking for praise. When you help a classmate or a friend with humility, you make Jesus glad!

Mini-Quiz

What did you learn about the donkey?

Which animal did Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday?

For parents and children

At home and in Sunday school

A question for parents and children

Why did Jesus choose a donkey and not a grand war horse? What does this teach us about His character?

My prayer
“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of humility and kindness. Teach me to be obedient, gentle and glad to serve You! Amen.”