Humility: Lessons from a donkey

(Part 1)

“The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest.”

Matthew 21:6-9

Corrie Ten Boom, a holocaust survivor, who went on to author a book about her experience titled “The Hiding Place,” was once asked if it was difficult for her to remain humble.

Her reply was very simple:  “When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday on the back of a donkey, and everyone was waving palm branches, and throwing garments on the road, and singing praises, do you think that for one moment it ever entered the head of that donkey that any of that was for him? If I can be the donkey on which Jesus Christ rides in His glory, I give him all the praise and honor.”

I have been pondering that quote for some time now and realized that there are several lessons we can learn from that donkey in regards to humility. Oxford English Dictionary defines humility as having a low estimate of one’s importance, worthiness, or merit. This secular definition has caused many to have a low opinion of humility. Humble people are seen as weak, submissive, push-overs, and of little importance.

Biblically, however, humility is depicted very differently. Throughout Scripture it is seen as the opposite of pride. James 4:6 states:

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

 Biblical humility does not mean that a person has a low estimate of their importance or significance. Rather, humility keeps us from having an over-inflated view of ourselves. The Greek word for humble refers to something being made low. Biblical humility is recognizing that we are lower than God and it is expressed through our submission to His Will.

The first lesson learned is that Jesus chose the donkey! His choice was not based upon giftings, talents, or charisma, but availability. She wasn’t being used at the time. I don’t say this to diminish the donkey’s abilities, but she wasn’t chosen for her wisdom, strength, or speed. God is much more concerned about our willingness to be used than by our abilities. The donkey was chosen that day, not on her own merits but because Christ chose her.

 John 15:16 states:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go bear fruit, fruit that will last.”

Humility will always include a willingness to be available for His use. 

 

Pastor Scott Burr