And as they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here.”

At a movie premiere, the actors in of the film typically enter from a limo and walk in on a red carpet with cameras flashing to capture a picture of their arrival. This luxurious entry is meant to build excitement and interest around the premiering movie. When Jesus was planning what we know as His “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem, He didn’t gather fancy attire or find a grand steed to show His prominence. Rather, He chose a donkey, and a borrowed one at that. Jesus’s focus on coming into Jerusalem wasn’t about luxury, wealth, or prominence. His entrance into Jerusalem echoed His entrance to the world: It was full of humility and intentionality.

Humility is a counter cultural call that is difficult for us to wrap our minds around. Matthew 20:25-27 says, “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them, and those in high position exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave.’” Hollywood movie premiers represent one way people often look for significance. Yet Christ calls us to live differently. His way is that of a servant. His way to true greatness is through surrendering our lives to Him instead of seeking a name for ourselves. As we follow Jesus and live in His way, we follow His example of humility.

• What are some ways Jesus showed humility in His life? Where is humility challenging for you?
• How can you live humbly each day? How is that different from the way you live right now?
• Pray and ask God to help you walk with Him in humility instead of pursuing individual prominence.