Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC

Matthew 21:1-5 (NIV)
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
   ‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
   and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

A colt, the foal of a donkey.  In human terms, this was a baby boy.  And this baby boy, so to speak, was chosen this day on the Kingdom calendar to carry the Messiah, who himself was once a baby boy, humbly born in a manger stall.  Words of prophecy were fulfilled as Christ prepared to enter Jerusalem as her King (Zechariah 9:9). And tucked into the background of this moment, there is a sweet picture of motherhood.  

Jesus sends two disciples to retrieve both donkey and colt. Notice the sweet language used in verse 2, “with her colt by her,”  “the Lord needs them.”  Verses 6-10 further tell that the disciples did as they were commanded, bringing the donkey and colt to Jesus, and spread their garments over the colt for Jesus to ride.  Mama donkey is not mentioned in the other gospel accounts, but we are blessed here with a precious detail and encouragement for all who shepherd little ones. Matthew, a former tax collector, would have been conditioned to record details, especially those concerning personal property. God certainly wastes nothing in our life for His glory and our ultimate good!    

As this colt prepared to toddle down crowded and unfamiliar streets, his mama would be by his side.  This mama would nudge her little one to honor and obey Jesus. She would model for him the way to follow Jesus’s commands.  She would teach this little one about humble serving. Her presence would reassure him, guide him, and comfort him in the presence of loud voices and waving palm branches while Jesus made his regal entrance.  

May this account in Matthew encourage us to say thank you to mothers who discipled us.  Raising and shepherding children of all ages can be tiring and thankless. But mothers, teachers, mentors, be encouraged today that while it feels routine to be tucked into the background of these little ones, God is doing big things for big days on His Kingdom calendar.  And perhaps there were others in your life who “spiritually” raised you and shepherded you. God carefully tucked these men and women into the background of your story, leading you to the place where you are today. Who in your life has nurtured your walk and nudged you to Jesus? Who will you nudge to Jesus?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father God, thank you for the many people you have woven into the background of my story in order to teach me Your Story. Show me “little colts” in this world who need to be nudged to Jesus.  Teach me how to point them to Your love and grace. May I serve you with a joyful heart in the routineness of my day today. In Jesus Name, amen.

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.