The Donkey Who Carried a King
The biblical teaching that Jesus was the Suffering Servant who carried the sins of His people when He went to the cross is vividly brought home to children in The Donkey Who Carried a King, the latest children’s book from respected theologian, author, and educator Dr. R.C. Sproul.
Davey was a young donkey who was bored and unhappy because he was never given anything to do. Then one day, some strangers came to the gate―and Davey’s master picked him for a very special task. Davey carried the King, Jesus, into Jerusalem. A few days later, Davey saw some angry people making the King carry a heavy beam of wood. Davey could not understand it―until another donkey helped him see that the King was being a Servant on behalf of His people.
The Donkey Who Carried a King offers a unique perspective on the events of Jesus’ Passion Week and calls all believers, both young and old, to follow in the footsteps of the Suffering Servant for the glory of God. Jesus was willing to leave the glories of heaven to suffer and die in this world on our behalf, so we should serve Him with all our hearts.
Reviews (261)
Missed Potential
The theme of Jesus as servant is proudly on display through this book. My favorite quote from the book, "He took the punishment that they deserved for sinning against a holy God - the punishment you and I deserve. He was a King, but He was a servant to His people." Also, the 'Understanding the Story' section in the back of the book breaks down the story and gives scripture references. This makes for great discussions!! Now, please don't beat me up for this one, but I didn’t like Davey the Donkey, He whined and complained far too much. I always feel that the main character should have strong, likable characteristics. Davey fell short. Also, this book is definitely more moralistic than gospel centered. The emphasis of the book is given to a boy who gets picked last for games so his grandpa tells him the story of Davey the Donkey. Side Note: The book mentions that Mary and Joseph knew Jesus would die to save his people. I can't find this anywhere in scripture. {Mary probably expected Jesus to be a political figure who would free the Jews from Roman rule. That's likely how she understood the promise of Jesus as a deliverer, a redeemer, the Messiah. It wasn't until later that she would discover that Jesus had actually come to redeem the whole world, to make us all new. Joseph died sometime before Jesus was crucified.}
Great book. Too wordy for small children.
We bought this book for my 3 year old. It is much too wordy for him. But we stil really like it. It’ll just be a few years before he can enjoy it as much as we do.
Perfect for 3+ year olds
This book has an amazing story and really lays out the salvation story in a way that children will enjoy. That being said this book is quite long. It is probably best for children that are advanced 3 year old's and up. I would imagine the best age range being in the 5's. My son is 3 and doesn't follow along with this book well but enjoys the pictures and talking about the donkey. Once he is older I think he will appreciate the book more but introducing it to him young will make him ask for it when he is older. Overall I highly recommend this book and will be gifting it to a friend who has a son around the same age as ours.
An Unusual Perspective on the Easter Story
When I picked up this book I expected a straightforward retelling of the Easter events, with some explanation about the significance of the donkey in the Triumphal Entry. This is instead a moral lesson based on Matthew 20:28 - "The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." In the setup, a young boy comes home distraught at being picked last for a game. His grandfather sits down with him and tells the story of Davey the donkey, who learns from his old friend Barnabas that although he was chosen to carry a great King, that didn't mean he was too good for simple roles. The King Himself humbly chose to become a willing servant, so Christians should recognize that every role is important and not seek only prominent positions. After making this point, Grandpa explains that Jesus died to save His people from their sins, bearing their punishment and erasing their guilt. He now reigns forever with His Father, and is worthy of our service. Although the story hangs on the events of Jesus' Passion, burial and resurrection, the main part of it is entirely fictional. We know almost nothing about the real donkey on which the fictional Davey is based, except that he fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. Davey's donkey friend Barnabus, who is supposed to have carried Jesus' mother Mary to Bethlehem, isn't actually mentioned in the Bible at all. Although the meaning of Easter is explained on the last page, the Gospel isn't the main point of the story -- rather, you might say the main point depends on an understanding the Gospel. It's possible that some children reading this may be confused about the historical events of Easter. However, even children usually understand the difference between real animals and anthropomorphized ones. Although I'm usually uncomfortable with embellished Bible stories, if anybody can pull it off without getting into theological trouble it's R.C. Sproul. This book is well-written, interesting and engaging, and attractively illustrated. It has a biblical message, and although its message isn't central to the Easter observance, it could make a good addition to an Easter reading basket.
A Beautiful Story
I love this book. I heard it read to children via Zoom at Moody Church this past Palm Sunday. I ordered a book for each of my grandchildren with the package having their names on it. Due to COVID the shipment came to them today. Then today I ordered me a Kindle version.
Great Easter reading!
I keep the book in our Easter stack. My kids love it. It's written beautifully. It is R.C.Sproul! It teaches the Gospel and a way kids can apply the knowledge in their life. And the pictures are beautiful!
AWESOME
It is very difficult to find Christian children's literature that is also quality. This one is excellent. It is beautiful, and compelling. These are not the most important things, but when it comes to a child selected resource I think they are important. This, however, mentions 3 stories with a donkey from the Bible which I love. It mainly focuses on when Jesus rode the donkey over the palm leaves from the point of view of the donkey. This covers thankfulness, humility, and the Gospel. I loved it and will be purchasing books by the same author. There is so much good in this one I can't even think of any flaws.
we love this book
we love this book. I am trying to instill a Christ-like attitude in my child at an early age and purchased this for Christmas for him. The pictures are beautiful and the story is precious. This is an exceptional author whose wrote several Christian books.
LOVE IT!!!!
I'm 10 years old and I got this book for Christmas. I think It teaches very important lessons. To not give up do your best and to do what your told with out complaining. Jesus died on the cross to save us and he wants us to behave good to God and other people. The illustrations are GREAT and the donkey learned not to be sassy and every job is important. Thanks to Mr. Sproul for a good book!😃
Family loves it
Family loves this book, inspirational, god story
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