Why Jesus Rode a Donkey, Not a War Horse | Mark 11:1-11

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today's shout-out goes to Mark Hardison from Murfreesboro, TN. Thank you for standing with us in Project23. You're helping lead people into the Word, one day at a time. This one’s for you.

Our text today is Mark 11:1-11:

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.  — Mark 11:1-11

If Jesus wanted to signal war, he would've come on a stallion. But he chose a donkey.

Why?

Because the King had come, but not to conquer Rome. He came to conquer sin. This wasn’t weakness. It was fulfillment. Zechariah 9:9 had prophesied it: “Behold, your king is coming… humble and mounted on a donkey.”

Everything Jesus did was intentional. A war horse meant judgment. A donkey meant peace. That’s the kind of King he is. Powerful enough to destroy, but humble enough to save. The people were shouting “Hosanna!”—but most of them missed what Jesus was really doing. They wanted political rescue. He came for spiritual rescue.

Presently, they cheered him in as a hero. Days later, many would cry, “Crucify him.”

Why?

Because he didn’t meet their expectations. He didn’t take their side. He took over.

But most still want "war horse" Jesus.

We want him to charge in and fix our culture, correct our problems, defend our comfort, and affirm our plans. But he comes on a donkey—lowly, interrupting our assumptions and calling us to die to ourselves. He’s not interested in sharing the throne of your heart with your politics, your preferences, or your personal agenda.

Jesus doesn’t just want a place in your life—he demands preeminence over it.

So here’s the call to action today: Are you cheering Jesus on Sunday but living for yourself by Monday? Are you praising the King with your lips but resisting his rule in your habits, finances, relationships, or priorities? Don’t settle for a “safe” Savior who never challenges your comfort. That’s not the real Jesus. Submit to the Lord of Lords, and bow to the King of Kings.

#HumbleKing, #JesusIsKing, #Mark11

ASK THIS:

1. Why is Jesus' choice of a donkey so surprising?
2. What kind of King were the people expecting?
3. Where are you tempted to treat Jesus like a helper, not a ruler?
4. What would it look like to welcome him on his terms?

DO THIS:

Where am I expecting Jesus to ride in and fix something—when he’s actually calling me to surrender something?

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, you came in humility when I expected force. Forgive me for trying to use you instead of following you. I welcome you as my King. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“King of Kings.”