(Matthew 21:2–7)
When we read the Gospel of Matthew 21:2–7, we see Jesus giving a specific and somewhat curious instruction to His disciples:
“Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.”(Matthew 21:2, ESV)
Jesus asked for two animals:
This was not without reason. Matthew even tells us it was a fulfillment of prophecy:
“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (Matthew 21:5, ESV quoting Zechariah 9:9)
So Jesus rode on the colt, while the mother donkey walked beside them.
In Mark 11:2 and Luke 19:30, only one animal is mentioned:
“Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.”(Luke 19:30, NIV)
Some may assume this is a contradiction. But in truth, it is not.
Imagine two eyewitnesses to a car accident:
Both are telling the truth they are simply emphasizing different parts of the same event.
Similarly, Matthew gives us the full picture, while Mark and Luke focus only on the colt because that is the animal Jesus actually rode. But the presence of the mother donkey is important, too and it carries a deeper meaning.
The Colt and Its Mother
Why did Jesus ask for both the colt and its mother?
Because the colt was young and untrained Scripture says no one had ever ridden it before (Luke 19:30). It had likely never been separated from its mother, and would have been anxious or incapable of walking alone.
In His mercy, Jesus did not isolate the colt. He allowed the mother to come alongside, to offer comfort, stability, and presence.
This is a powerful image of discipleship and spiritual growth.
Some of us feel too immature, too inexperienced, or too weak to serve the Lord. We see ourselves as colts never having been “ridden” or used before. We think: “Surely God would rather use someone stronger, wiser, or more mature.”
But Jesus chooses the untrained. He calls the one no one else would have chosen.
We may wonder: “Why didn’t Jesus just ride the older, stronger donkey?”
Because the focus of that moment was the young one just like you might be the focus now. The mother stood by, not in use, but in support.
Jesus had already made His choice.
The colt represents new vessels, young believers, or even those who feel spiritually unqualified. The donkey (the mother) represents mentors, pastors, or spiritual leaders who walk beside them in support.
The Lord is showing us something:
He doesn’t need us to be “ready” in the world’s standards. He just wants us available.
The message is clear:
You may be young in age or in faith. You may feel inexperienced, untrained, and even unworthy.
But God is not limited by your ability.
Jesus said:
“At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.’”(Matthew 11:25, ESV)
And again:
“God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. “1Corinthians 1:27, ESV)”
Don’t Wait Until You Feel “Qualified”
Many believers are waiting to reach a level of “spiritual maturity” before they serve:
But Jesus is calling you now just as you are. He says:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”(Matthew 11:29–30, ESV)
On this very date April 14th, Christians around the world commemorate Palm Sunday the day Jesus entered Jerusalem riding that young colt. (Matthew 21, Mark 11)
The crowd laid down their cloaks and waved palm branches shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9, ESV)
That colt, once unknown and untrained, was suddenly walking on a red carpet of praise.
Let that be you.
Tell the Lord:
“Here I am, Lord. Use me. I may be young, weak, or unsure but I surrender myself to You.”
You will never regret being used by God.
There are only two kinds of riders in this life:
If Jesus doesn’t ride you, the enemy will.
So today, make your choice.
Let the Lord put His gentle yoke on your life and carry His glory wherever He leads you.
“They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it.” (Mark 11:7, ESV)
May you be that colt.
Humble. Chosen. Available. Useful.
May the name of the Lord Jesus Christ be praised forever.
May His Spirit empower you to say “Yes, Lord!” Even in your weakness He is strong.
Hosanna in the Highest!
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Prisca Yohana, known by her artist name "binti wa Mungu" born 24th december, 2000 in Dar es salaam Tanzania. Gospel artist with a deep passion for worship and spreading the message of God’s love through music.
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