Answering 439 Bible Contradictions 

Answer: Jesus rode upon a young, male donkey into Jerusalem.

Problem: One text of Scripture mentions two donkeys, whereas three other passages reference only one.

Explanation: Jesus prepares for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the fashion of Zechariah 9:9, which prophesies that the Messiah will come riding on a donkey—specifically a colt, which is a young male donkey.

Although at this time Jesus had reached the climax of his popularity, He knew the crowds were fickle. In a matter of moments they would cry “Hosanna” (save now), but within days the same crowd would roar “crucify” (kill now).

In one of the rare events recorded in all four gospels, Jesus commanded his disciples to enter Bethphage and bring back a donkey. Time was of the essence because Jesus planned to enter Jerusalem such that he would be crucified on the day of Passover, symbolizing a lamb shed for sin (Jn 1:29).

As the omniscient God, Jesus knew in advance that the owners of the donkey would put up a fuss with strangers taking their donkey away. So He said they should simply reply: “The Lord needs them” (Mt. 21:3). Sure enough, it satisfied them.

Only Matthew mentions two donkeys. Apparently, the disciples left with the mare and colt together. This is understandable, since the colt had never been ridden (Mk. 11:2). The disciples placed their cloaks upon “them” (Mt. 21:7)—both the mother and the colt. Jesus then sat on “them”, that is, the cloaks placed upon the colt (Lk. 19:35).

Alexander the Great entered conquered cities by riding upon his famous horse Bucephalus. The king was clad in armor and preceded by great pomp. Not Jesus. This king came gently upon a donkey. He came in peace. Chariots highlight pride. A donkey highlights humility, a fitting picture for King Jesus, who “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8).