Listen to the devotional here:

But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” (Luke 19:33-34)

Towards the end of His ministry, Jesus was getting ready to enter Jerusalem in a glorious way, with people honouring Him as King and praising Him with “Hosanna!”

He gave His disciples specific instructions. They were to go to a nearby village and find a donkey and her colt. Then, they were to untie the colt and bring it to Him. If anyone asked why, they should say:

“The Lord has need of him.”

This moment was special.

Everything happened as Jesus said it would.

It fulfilled a prophecy in Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9), and it also showed that even something simple and lowly—like a young donkey—could be used for God’s divine purpose.

What can we learn from this about serving God?

1. Give what you have to the Lord

The owner of the colt must have been puzzled to see strangers taking his colt. Yet when he heard that Jesus needed it, he let it go right away.

Sometimes, God and His church may need us to share something—our time, skills, or even things we own. Will we be ready to let them be used by God?

2. Jesus uses what is ordinary for His work

Instead of choosing a majestic and powerful war horse, Jesus, the King of Kings, rode a humble, young donkey. Though it was ordinary, Jesus had paid special attention to this donkey and even handpicked it.

God can use us in big ways—even if we feel small, weak, or unimportant. What He values is our humility, obedience and willingness (1 Samuel 15:22; 2 Corinthians 9:7).

3. Jesus wants us to be set apart for Him

The colt Jesus chose was young and had never been ridden by another person. And yet, it was obedient instead of rebellious.

To be useful for God, we must be holy, living in a way that honours Him (2 Timothy 2:20–21). This means staying close to God and transforming our lives through praying and obeying God’s word more. When we do this, we will be completely ready for every good work that God gives us (2 Timothy 3:17).

Conclusion

It is a great honor to be used by the Lord Jesus.

If one day He asks you for something—your time, skills, or belongings—would you give it to Him? Are you willing to be used by Jesus?

Family Altar

Use these discussion questions and our prayer as a guide for your family altar.

Parents can lead the prayer and invite their children to repeat after them or encourage their children to take the lead, making family altar time a shared journey of faith.

Discussion questions:

• What are some skills or things you have that you can use for God’s purpose?

• Have you ever felt like you’re not good enough to do something for God? How does the story of the colt encourage you?

• How are you preparing yourself to be used by God?

Prayer in words:

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we pray. Lord, even though You are the King of Kings, yet You still humble Yourself to be with us. You even use lowly things for Your plans. We want You to give You our lives, Lord. Cleanse us and forgive our sins. Transform our lives with Your word. Give us the strength to say yes to You. Use our family for Your glory. We love You and we want to serve You, Jesus. Amen.

_{Adapted from Junior Youth Textbook (Year 1 Book 1) “Lesson 7: The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem”. True Jesus Church.}