Service is a decision to love, not a status symbol

We seldom mistaken the animal rode by Jesus as a horse or A colt. Should we wish to dramatize the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the horse would be a comfortable alternative. Who would notice the difference anyway? -we might say.

But did you know that despite the vivid similarities between an ass and a horse or colt, there is a tiny yet essential difference? An ass or donkey has bigger ears than a horse. The face, the tail, the hoof, and the size are all smaller in comparison with a horse or a colt.

The Gospel of Matthew mentions two work animals: the ass and the colt, the Gospels of Mark and Luke mention the colt alone, while John mentions the ass alone. The Gospels vary in specifications but all these specs belong to the family of horses; donkey, ass, mule alike.

While ass and the donkey are interchangeable, an ass or jackass is a male donkey. The colt or a horse is used as a primarily vehicle or transportation, most specifically military-related purposes. The horse is a symbol of war, strength, dominion, and conquest because it is a fast-running animal. It is a symbol of pride, power and wealth

The ass on the other hand is a humble, slow-moving, stubborn, animal. This is the reason why donkeys and jackasses are used mainly for farm or attach carts to it to make it a dismal beast for transport, a cheaper alternative to a colt or stallion or horse.

Apparently, Jesus rode a “lesser animal.” Mark and Luke say He rode a colt and not a stallion. Since Matthew and John give us another idea about the ass, let us presume that Jesus rode an animal lesser than a stallion, or lesser than a colt which is donkey or ass for this matter. Since the Gospel writers were not in agreement-and since it is obvious from the disagreement that a “lesser animal” was the vehicle for the entry into Jerusalem, then it may be correct that Jesus rode an ass rather than a stallion or colt. (Not to mention the Old Testament prophecies that indicate the Messiah shall be riding a donkey or ass).

The Ass or Donkey is a symbol of humility, hard-work, simplicity, and peace. The horse or stallion is a symbol of power, wealth, and dominance.

Both are symbols of service. However, the donkey or ass teaches us that service need not to be loud, obtrusive or domineering. If you serve, do it with faithfulness and simplicity. When you serve, you need not to blow a horn. Service is not a statement or status symbol. It is a decision to love.