Matthew 20:2 “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.”
The owner of the donkey and the colt that Jesus sat on in the triumphant procession into Jerusalem has not been named, mentioned or commended. Back in Jesus times, donkeys were “work horses”. Horses were a symbol of war and wealth whereas donkeys, work and peace. Owning a donkey was like possessing a luxurious Porsche, BMW or Ferrari. It was their mode of transport. Two disciples walk into the garage of this man, start the car, (untie the donkey) and drove it away. Jesus instructed the disciples, “If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away” (Matthew 20:3). It was obvious that Jesus and the disciples were well known to the owner of the donkey. The owner did not give his visiting card to the disciples to pass it on to Jesus. He did not mention the amount of money that he spent to buy and breed the donkey nor did he accompany the disciples to let Jesus know about his generosity. The generosity, selflessness and sacrifice of the owner of the donkey is never spoken about but his role was incredible in the triumphant entry of Jesus.
Three main principles of giving can be drawn from the unknown, unnamed, unseen owner of the donkey and its colt:
1. Generous: Generosity is the most lucrative investment in the kingdom of God. The more we give the more we will multiply. 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. The kingdom of God operates under the principle of sowing and reaping. Those who are stingy will receive sparingly and those who are generous will receive bountifully. It was the generosity of the unknown owner that found a permanent place for him and his donkey in the scriptures. Give generously.
2. Selfless: Giving without the selfish motives or hidden agenda is the most rewarding investment in the kingdom of God. Matthew 6:2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! Anything done to be recognised, applauded or appreciated by men will not have eternal recompense. Doing what is right will automatically yield a bountiful reward. Those who seek earthly award will miss out on eternal reward. Give selflessly.
3. Blessed: Giving is the secret of multiplication in the Kingdom of God. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35). We don’t give to be blessed; we give because we are blessed. Giving is a gesture of gratitude and gratefulness. Those who feel deprived after they have given an offering or bless the poor, have not given out of gratitude but out of compulsion. Politicians give to gain popularity, the wealthy give to gain power but we give out of gratitude, as everything we have belongs to Him. Give thankfully.
The name, address and whereabouts of the owner of the donkey is unknown but the gift he gave was the Rolls-Royce that Jesus travelled on His triumphant entry as the King of Kings. We don’t have to be named to be generous, we don’t have to be known to be rewarded or seen to become a blessing.
Matthew 6:3-4 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me the principles of Kingdom Giving. Being recognised by you is more important than to be renowned by men. Amen
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