(Please scroll down for the English version)
今天是復活節，我們一同來回顧主耶穌進入耶路撒冷的榮耀時刻。路加福音19:28-40記載了這個場景，當時的氛圍熱烈而歡樂，百姓夾道歡迎耶穌，拿著棕樹枝高呼：「和撒那，和撒那，奉主名來的，是應當稱頌的！」（37節）。這是一個光榮的時刻，耶穌騎著驢子進城，眾人高聲讚美，為祂鋪上榮耀的道路。
然而，在這段經文中，我們不僅看到了熱烈的歡迎，還注意到了一個細節：耶穌所騎的那一頭驢子。聖經對這頭驢子的描述非常具啟發性：一、牠「從來沒有人騎過」；二、牠被「拴在那裡」；三、需要「解開，牽來」，最後說：「主要用牠」。這句話在經文中反覆出現，顯示出其重要性。
耶穌選擇騎著這頭驢子進城，並不代表祂需要征服或是權勢的象徵，驢子象徵著謙卑和服侍，這是耶穌一生的寫照。耶穌不騎馬進城，因為馬象徵征服，而耶穌的使命是帶來和平與救恩，祂不需要征服，而是選擇謙卑地進入聖城。
從這段經文中，我們可以深刻反思我們的生命價值。基督徒生命的意義，就是能夠被主所用。就像那頭驢子，牠的價值不在於它的力量或能力，而是在於它願意被主使用。雖然牠只走了一段短短的路程，卻與耶穌同在，成為了那個榮耀的見證。這一刻，這段路程，對耶穌和驢子來說，都是值得永遠銘記的。
我們的生命是否也能成為主所用的器皿呢？在我們的一生中，有沒有一刻，我們和主同行，讓祂在我們的生命中得到榮耀？這不一定是宏大的事業或偉大的成就，而是我們願意謙卑地被祂使用，無論在順境或逆境中，讓祂的生命在我們的生命中彰顯出來。
我也想起民數記22:21-33中提到的另一頭驢子，這頭驢子忠心服侍它的主人巴蘭，雖然主人墮落，眼盲無法看見神的使者，但這頭驢子卻保持了明亮的眼睛，直至神開啟巴蘭的眼目，讓他看見神的使者。這提醒我們，有時我們生命中的限制或擔子，可能會使我們眼盲，看不見神的作為。即便我們遭遇困境，或被誤解、責罵，我們仍然要保持心靈的敏銳，專注在神的呼召上，這樣就能在困難中見證神的拯救和帶領。
耶穌進入耶路撒冷的榮耀時刻，但這同時也是祂步向死亡的開始。是誰陪伴祂走這條艱難的道路？是一頭驢子！一頭被解開、被束綁、被選中的驢子，聽見主的呼召：「主要用牠！」
親愛的弟兄姊妹，你是否願意成為那頭「主要用牠」的驢子，無論是大是小的事，讓我們的生命都能為主所用。願我們在這復活節的時刻，對主的呼召保持敏感，願意謙卑地走在祂所安排的道路上，讓主得著榮耀！
The Donkey Used by the Lord
Today is Easter, and together we reflect on the glorious moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Luke 19:28-40 records this scene, where the atmosphere was lively and joyful. The people lined the streets to welcome Jesus, waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna, hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” (v. 37). This was a moment of glory, as Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, and the crowd praised Him, laying down a path of honour for Him.
However, in this passage, we not only see the warm welcome but also notice a small detail: the donkey that Jesus rode. The Bible gives us a profound description of this donkey: first, it had “never been ridden”; second, it was “tied there”; and third, it needed to be “untied and brought here,” and then finally, it is said, “The Lord has need of it.” This phrase is repeated in the passage, showing its significance.
Jesus chose to ride this donkey into the city, which did not represent the need for conquest or power. The donkey symbolizes humility and service, which is a reflection of Jesus’ life. Jesus did not ride a horse into the city, because a horse symbolizes conquest, but Jesus’ mission was to bring peace and salvation. He did not need to conquer; He chose to enter the holy city humbly.
From this passage, we can deeply reflect on the value of our lives. The meaning of a Christian life is to be used by the Lord. Just like the donkey, its value was not in its strength or ability, but in its willingness to be used by the Lord. Even though it only walked a short distance, it was with Jesus, becoming a witness to His glory. This moment, this short journey, was unforgettable for both Jesus and the donkey.
Can our lives also become vessels used by the Lord? In our lives, is there a moment where we walk with the Lord, allowing Him to be glorified through us? It doesn’t necessarily have to be grand achievements or great success, but simply our willingness to be used by Him, whether in times of prosperity or adversity, allowing His life to be reflected in ours.
I also think of another donkey mentioned in Numbers 22:21-33, a donkey that faithfully served its master, Balaam. Even though Balaam had fallen and was blind to see God’s messenger, this donkey kept its eyes open and, when God opened Balaam’s eyes, he saw the angel of the Lord. This reminds us that sometimes the limitations or burdens in our lives may blind us, causing us to miss God’s work. Even when we face difficulties, or are misunderstood and rebuked, we must remain spiritually sharp, focusing on God’s calling. Only then can we witness God’s salvation and guidance in the midst of challenges.
The glory moment when Jesus entered Jerusalem marked the beginning of His walk toward death. Who accompanied Him on this difficult journey? A donkey! A donkey that was untied, bound, and chosen, responding to the Lord’s call: “The Lord has need of it!”
Dear brothers and sisters, are you willing to become that donkey whom the Lord can use, whether in big or small things? Let us make our lives available for His use. May we, at this Easter moment, stay sensitive to the Lord’s calling, humbly walk in the path He has prepared for us, and bring glory to His name!