In the Bible, the term “jackass” often refers to a donkey, which symbolizes humility and service. Notably, it is also used in the story of Balaam in Numbers 22, where a donkey speaks to Balaam, highlighting themes of divine revelation and humility.
Scripture
21 So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.
22 But God’s anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary.
23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road.
24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side.
25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So he struck her again.
26 Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left.
27 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff.
28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”
29 Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.”
30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.”
31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.
32 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me.
33 The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.”
34 Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.”
35 And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word that I tell you.” So Balaam went on with the princes of Balak.
Biblical Significance of the Jackass
The deeper significance of the term “jackass,” or donkey, in the Bible extends beyond its literal meaning, embodying themes of humility, service, and divine intervention. In biblical times, donkeys were often viewed as beasts of burden, symbolizing a humble station in life. This symbolism is beautifully illustrated in Numbers 22, where Balaam’s donkey sees an angel of the Lord and speaks, prompting Balaam to recognize his error and the seriousness of his actions. This moment emphasizes that even the lowly can receive divine insight, serving as a reminder of God’s ability to reveal truth through unexpected means, thus challenging human pride and self-importance (Numbers 22:21-35).
Additionally, in the prophetic context of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Messiah rides on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9, which states, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” This imagery not only highlights the humility of Christ but also reinforces the idea that greatness in the Kingdom of God often comes through humility and serving others (Matthew 21:1-11). In essence, the biblical associations with the jackass underscore a profound spiritual truth: that true authority and leadership are often expressed through meekness and the willingness to serve.
The symbolism of the donkey also extends to its role in the wisdom literature of the Bible, where it represents discernment and the contrast between wisdom and folly. In some contexts, the donkey is mentioned alongside the wise and foolish, emphasizing that true understanding is not confined to the learned but can be found in all individuals. The book of Job, for instance, subtly evokes the image of the donkey when discussing the nature of wisdom and endurance. The creature’s ability to bear burdens reflects the resilience and patience necessary in the face of suffering, suggesting that, like the donkey, believers must navigate trials with steadfastness and trust in God’s plans.
Furthermore, the use of the donkey in various parables and teachings throughout the scriptures embodies themes of servitude and simplicity. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan uses his own donkey to carry the wounded man, illustrating compassion and the act of serving others, regardless of societal judgment. This narrative reinforces the idea that true love often manifests in practical and humble acts of service, echoing the broader biblical theme that those deemed lowly or insignificant can be instruments of God’s mercy and love. Ultimately, the recurring presence of the donkey in the biblical narrative serves as a multifaceted symbol, inviting believers to reflect on their own humility and service as they strive to embody the teachings of Christ.
Symbol of Humility and Service
In biblical contexts, the jackass (or donkey) often represents humility and the willingness to serve. Unlike more majestic animals such as horses, which are associated with power and nobility, the jackass is a humble creature that carries burdens and assists in labor. This symbolism can be seen in the way certain figures in the Bible are depicted as riding on donkeys, emphasizing their role as servants or leaders who prioritize the needs of others over their own status.
Contrast to Pride and Arrogance
The jackass also serves as a contrast to pride and arrogance. In various biblical narratives, the behavior of a jackass can symbolize foolishness or stubbornness, often highlighting the folly of those who are prideful or refuse to heed wisdom. This contrast serves as a moral lesson, encouraging humility and the recognition of one’s limitations, as opposed to the hubris that can lead to downfall.
Vehicle of Prophetic Messages
Additionally, the jackass is sometimes seen as a vehicle for prophetic messages. In certain stories, the creature is used to convey important truths or warnings, illustrating that wisdom can come from unexpected sources. This theme underscores the idea that God can use even the most humble or seemingly insignificant beings to deliver profound messages, reminding believers to remain open to divine communication in all forms.
How to Cultivate Humility and Bear One Another’s Burdens
Cultivating humility and bearing one another’s burdens is a beautiful journey that reflects the heart of Christ in our lives. To start, I encourage you to embrace the practice of self-reflection—take time to examine your thoughts and actions, asking God to reveal areas where pride may be creeping in. Remember, humility isn’t about thinking less of yourself, but rather thinking of yourself less, as C.S. Lewis wisely noted. Engage in active listening when others share their struggles; this not only shows you care but also allows you to understand their burdens more deeply. Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This means stepping into the lives of others with compassion and support, whether through prayer, a kind word, or practical help. As you practice these principles, you’ll find that humility opens the door to deeper relationships and a more profound sense of community, reflecting the love of Jesus in a world that desperately needs it.
Bible References to the Meaning of Jackass:
Job 39:5-8: 5 “Who has let the wild donkey go free? Who has loosed the bonds of the swift donkey,
6 to the wild donkey the wilderness is his home, and the salt land his dwelling place.
7 He scorns the tumult of the city;
he hears not the shouts of the driver.
8 He ranges the mountains as his pasture, and he searches after every green thing.
Isaiah 1:2-3: 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: “Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.
3 The ox knows its owner,
and the donkey its master’s crib,
but Israel does not know,
my people do not understand.”
Zechariah 9:9-10: 9 Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River to the ends of the earth.
Matthew 21:1-11: 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.
3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.
7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.
8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.
9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?”
11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Mark 11:1-10: 1 Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples
2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it.
3 And if anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’
4 And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it.
5 And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?”
6 And they said to them what Jesus had said, and they let them go.
7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it.
8 And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.
9 And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
10 Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!
Luke 19:28-40: 28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,
30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here.
31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’
32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them.
33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?”
34 They said, “The Lord needs it.”
35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.
36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road.
37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen,
38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.”
40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
John 12:12-16: 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.
12 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”
14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,
15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”
16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.