Former Blackout Artist

As [Jesus] approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” – Luke 19:29-31

Everything about Jesus’ life was intentional. Nothing was random, rushed, or accidental. Every moment, every word, and every action had purpose. When He ate with sinners, healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, fed thousands of people, withdrew to quiet places to pray, taught His disciples, or rebuked the Pharisees – He was fulfilling the will of the Father. Even His humble birth in a barn was intentional, just as His final journey into Jerusalem on a donkey was intentional.

In Gospel of Luke 19:29–31, Jesus gives two of His disciples a very specific instruction: they are to go into a nearby village, where they’ll find a colt tied up that’s never been ridden. They’re to untie it and bring it to Him. If anyone asks why, they’re simply to say, “The Lord needs it.”

At first glance, this might seem like a small detail in the story. Yet it reveals just how deliberate Jesus was about what was about to happen. He wasn’t drifting toward Jerusalem unaware of His fate. He was intentionally walking into the moment that would lead to the cross. Every step toward the city was part of God’s unfolding plan.

Even the choice of a donkey was meaningful. Jesus didn’t enter the city on a warhorse like a conquering general. Instead, He chose a young colt, symbolizing peace and humility. His kingdom wouldn’t come through force or political power, but through sacrifice, love, and redemption.

The disciples might not have fully understood why Jesus asked them to do this, but they obeyed anyway. Their role in this moment was simple faithfulness. They followed His instructions and trusted that He knew what He was doing.

This passage reminds us that Jesus is never careless with the details of our lives. The same Lord who knew exactly where the colt would be tied also knows every detail of our circumstances. What may seem small or confusing to us is still part of His purposeful work.

Sometimes Jesus asks us to do simple things that don’t seem significant at the time. Like the disciples, we might not see the full picture. But obedience in the small moments often places us right in the middle of God’s greater plan.

Today, we can trust that the Lord who directed every step toward Jerusalem is also guiding our steps. His plans are intentional, His purposes are good, and our role is to follow Him faithfully – even when we don’t yet understand where the road leads.