Renewing Your Mind – "The Donkey Who Carried a King"

Podcast: Renewing Your Mind by Ligonier Ministries
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Guest Readers/Contributors: R.C. Sproul, Chris Larson
Original Date: April 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This special Good Friday episode centers on R.C. Sproul reading his beloved children’s book, The Donkey Who Carried a King. Through the story of a humble donkey named Davy, and a relatable boy named Riley, Sproul explores themes of service, humility, the true meaning of greatness, and the significance of Jesus as both King and servant. The episode also features an insightful discussion between R.C. Sproul and Ligonier president Chris Larson about the book's message, its significance for families, and key truths for Christians of all ages.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Story: "The Donkey Who Carried a King"

[01:32—17:54]

• Setting the Scene:
  The story interweaves the lives of Riley, a boy upset at being picked last in games, and Davy, a young donkey longing for an important purpose.

• Riley’s Struggle:
  Riley feels hurt and overlooked, prompting his grandfather to share the story of Davy the donkey to give perspective and comfort.

• Davy’s Longing and Donkey Legends:
  Davy feels insignificant—a theme echoed in stories told among the donkeys, including:

  • The speaking donkey of Balaam (Numbers 22)
  • Old Barnabas, who carried Mary and baby Jesus

• Davy’s Calling:
  Davy is finally chosen—“because the Lord has need of him”—to carry Jesus into Jerusalem during the first Palm Sunday.

• Highlight – The Triumphal Entry:

  “As they went down the road, a multitude of people came around and put their coats and palm branches on the ground in front of Davey and Jesus. They began to sing, shout and wave palms in the air, saying, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.’” (Narrator/R.C. Sproul, 00:10, 09:31)

• Davy’s Pride and Disillusionment:
  After fulfilling this honorable task, Davy struggles, believing he is too special for ordinary work. But wise old Barnabas reminds him:

  “We are donkeys... Every job is important, even carrying sacks of olives. And you should do your best to do it well.” (Barnabas, 11:17)

• Witnessing the Crucifixion:
  Davy later sees Jesus burdened and bruised, carrying His cross, and recognizes the King is also a suffering servant—a paradigm shift for both Davy and Riley.

• Resolution and Lesson:
  Through his grandpa’s wisdom, Riley learns gratitude and humility:

  “Remember that God the Father chose Jesus for the worst job of all, but he did it willingly to please his Father and to save his people.” (Grandpa, 16:32)

  “I want to serve him and do whatever he asks me to do, whether it’s a little job or something very important.” (Riley, 17:47)

Theological Reflection and Application

[18:41—24:25]

Chris Larson interviews R.C. Sproul about the story’s message:

• Jesus: The King Above All Kings, who Served

  “Yes, it [the Bible] says he’s the king of all the kings. And every other earthly magistrate, in the final analysis, will be accountable and answerable to King Jesus.” (Sproul, 18:52)

  “In his earthly ministry, that King was a servant, a suffering servant who subjected himself to the whole law of God in a way that most monarchs never ever try to do.” (Sproul, 19:21)

• On Authority and Obedience

  “God doesn’t rule by referendum. He rules by sovereign authority... In that authority, he has elevated his Son.” (Sproul, 19:36)

• Servant Leadership

  “But Jesus is first the obedient servant before he is crowned as the King of the kings.” (Sproul, 20:24)

• On Contentment

  “I think the lack of contentment is one of the great sins of people and even in the Christian world…Paul says, ‘I have learned that whatever state I’m in therewith to be content.’” (Sproul, 21:01)

• Family’s Role in Nurturing Faith

  “I think that the family is the number one place where we are called to be nurturing our children in the truth and admonition of the Lord.” (Sproul, 22:38)

• Every Role is Meaningful

  “In the kingdom of God, there’s no such thing as a menial task. … Sometimes we’re not all that thrilled with the tasks that God has given us.” (Sproul, 23:11)

  “You have to be faithful in little things before you can ever hope to be faithful in the big things. And so this is one of those cases where we can learn from a donkey.” (Sproul, 24:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Jesus’ Unique Kingship:

  “He was a king, but he was a servant to his people.” (Grandpa, 16:49)

• The Heart of Service:

  “If you are given a job that doesn’t seem to be so much fun, do your best at your job anyway.” (Grandpa, 16:06)

• On Christ’s Sacrifice:

  “When he died, he gave his life to save his people from their sins. In a way, he carried their sin and their guilt by dying for them.” (Grandpa, 16:55)

• Gratitude in All Roles:

  “Do your best to be content with whatever you’re asked to do. Because every player and every role is important.” (Grandpa, 16:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:10 – The original Palm Sunday narrative and introduction to the story
• 01:32–17:54 – Full reading of The Donkey Who Carried a King
• 11:17 – Barnabas teaches Davy about servanthood
• 16:32–17:47 – Grandpa’s gospel-centered application to Riley
• 18:41–24:25 – R.C. Sproul and Chris Larson on Jesus' kingship, servanthood, and lessons for families and children

Summary & Takeaway

This episode is a profound yet accessible meditation on Good Friday’s themes through the eyes of a humble donkey and a little boy. R.C. Sproul emphasizes:

• The paradoxical greatness of Jesus as King and servant
• The dignity and importance of every act of service, big or small
• Contentment and gratitude in all circumstances
• The central role of families in transmitting gospel truths

In Sproul’s own words:

“You have to be faithful in little things before you can ever hope to be faithful in the big things. And so this is one of those cases where we can learn from a donkey.” (24:09)

Listeners of all ages are encouraged to find joy and purpose in serving, wherever God places them, looking to Christ as the supreme example of humble greatness.