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.”
12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.
13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.
15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant,
16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”
17 And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.
18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry.
19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.
20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”
21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.
22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.
23 And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?”
24 Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
26 But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”
27 So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’”
29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went.
30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go.
31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
33 “Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower, and leased it to tenants, and went into another country.
34 When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit.
35 And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another.
36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them.
37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’
38 But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’
39 And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.
40 Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?”
41 They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.”
42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
43 Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits.
44 And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.”
45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them.
46 And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.
The True Meaning of Matthew 21
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Matthew, a former tax collector, recorded his unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus in his gospel account. Jesus enters Jerusalem, the holy city, amidst great fanfare and celebration, marking a pivotal moment in his ministry. This event, known as the Triumphal Entry, sets the stage for the final days of Jesus’ earthly life, leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection. We will see how Jesus confronts the religious authorities, cleanses the temple, and engages in heated debates, all while demonstrating his divine authority and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The events described in this chapter are also mentioned in the other Synoptic Gospels (Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12), providing a comprehensive account of this significant moment in the life of Jesus. As we delve into this chapter, we will gain a deeper understanding of the growing tensions between Jesus and the religious establishment, as well as the increasing anticipation and expectation surrounding the Messiah’s arrival.
Matthew 21:1-11
The passage in Matthew 21:1-11 recounts Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This event is significant as it marks the beginning of the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, setting the stage for the pivotal events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. The passage can be broken down into several important sections:
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Verses 1-3 – Jesus instructs his disciples to fetch a donkey and a colt for Him to ride into Jerusalem. This imagery is deeply symbolic as it fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which states, “Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” This act highlights Jesus’ humble nature and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, emphasizing the divine origin of His mission.
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Verses 4-7 – The disciples carry out Jesus’ instructions and bring the donkey and colt to Him. The fact that the animals’ owners willingly give them up to Jesus without question demonstrates a submission to His authority. This underscores the obedience and faith required of believers when called to serve the Lord.
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Verses 8-9 – The crowd spreads their cloaks on the road and others cut branches from the trees, laying them down before Jesus as He enters Jerusalem. The act of spreading cloaks and palm branches was a sign of honor and respect reserved for royalty and dignitaries. The crowd’s exuberant shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” show that they recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah, the descendant of David who would save them.
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Verse 10 – The whole city is stirred as they ask, “Who is this?” The answer from the crowd is that He is “Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” This reaction foreshadows the division and confusion that will mark Jesus’ journey to the cross, as many fail to fully comprehend His identity and mission.
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Verses 11 – The passage concludes with Jesus entering Jerusalem and the entire city being stirred. The people are amazed and ask who this is, and the crowds answer that Jesus is a prophet from Nazareth in Galilee. This response indicates the diverse interpretations of Jesus’ identity among the people, with many recognizing Him as a significant figure but not fully understanding the depth of His divinity and purpose. The triumphant entry into Jerusalem serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry, signaling the beginning of the culmination of His mission on earth. It showcases His fulfillment of prophecy, humility, and the recognition of His true nature by those who welcomed Him into the city. The events in this passage underscore the significance of Jesus’ identity as the long-awaited Messiah and the importance of acknowledging and honoring Him as such. This moment also sets the stage for the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, emphasizing the contrasting reactions people have towards Him and foreshadowing the conflicting responses to His ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s salvation.
Matthew 21:12-17
Jesus Christ enters the temple in Jerusalem in Matthew 21:12-17, marking a significant event in His life. The passage reads, “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.”
This particular event holds profound meaning as it emphasizes Jesus’ authority and righteous indignation towards the commercialization and corruption that had permeated the sacred space of the temple. Jesus demonstrated his zeal for God’s house and the importance of true worship by cleansing the temple. The act of overturning the tables and driving out the merchants symbolizes the need to rid religion of hypocrisy and corruption.
This scene also echoes a similar event in John 2:13-17, often referred to as the first cleansing of the temple. It is crucial to note that in both instances, Jesus’ actions were met with opposition from the religious leaders who were benefiting from the commercial activities in the temple. This highlights the clash between true spiritual worship and empty religious practices that Jesus frequently confronted during his ministry. Jesus sought to establish the purity and authenticity of worship by mentioning children praising Him in the temple after the cleansing. The children’s spontaneous praise serves as a contrast to the hypocrisy of the religious leaders and reinforces the idea that genuine faith can come from the most unexpected sources. This passage aligns with the prophetic tradition of denouncing corruption and injustice within religious institutions in the broader context of the Bible. It echoes the words of Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah who condemned the misuse of the temple for personal gain and called for a return to true worship and righteousness. The cleansing of the temple in Matthew 21 ultimately serves as a powerful reminder of the standards of true worship and the need to prioritize spiritual integrity over material gain. Jesus’ actions challenge us to examine our own hearts and practices to ensure that our worship is sincere, pure, and centered on God alone.
Matthew 21:18-22
Jesus curses a fig tree in Matthew 21:18-22, causing it to wither immediately and showcasing his divine power and authority. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a deeper understanding. He became hungry in the morning as he was returning to the city in the first section of the verse.” This sets the scene for what is to come, illustrating Jesus’ human aspect, being hungry like any ordinary person. It’s a reminder of Jesus’ incarnation, where he took on human form to understand and experience the human condition fully.
The next section states, “And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once.” Here, the fig tree serves as a symbolic representation. The tree was full of leaves, giving the impression of vitality and fruitfulness, but upon closer inspection, it was barren. Jesus used this moment to teach his disciples about genuine faith and the importance of bearing spiritual fruit.
This incident with the fig tree is often interpreted as a symbolic act representing judgment on Israel for their spiritual barrenness despite their outward show of religiosity. Throughout the Bible, the fig tree is used symbolically to represent Israel (e.g., Jeremiah 8:13, Hosea 9:10). Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree is a powerful metaphor of the spiritual state of Israel at that time. It reinforces the idea that genuine faith should be accompanied by actions and spiritual fruit-bearing.
Jesus’ disciples were astonished by the immediate withering of the fig tree, prompting Jesus to use this moment to teach them about the power of faith. He says to them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt… even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.” Jesus was emphasizing the significance of unwavering faith, highlighting the incredible things that can be achieved through faith in God. This verse underscores the importance of faith as a catalyst for miracles and the realization of God’s promises.
The message in this passage is timeless and holds relevance for believers today. It serves as a reminder that outward displays of religiosity are not enough; genuine faith must be accompanied by actions and spiritual fruit-bearing. Jesus’ act of cursing the fig tree challenges us to reflect on the state of our faith and reminds us of the power of unwavering faith in God’s ability to work miracles in our lives. It encourages us to deepen our relationship with God, producing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and living out our faith in a way that glorifies Him.
Matthew 21:23-27
Jesus enters the temple courts in Matthew 21:23-27, where He is confronted by the chief priests and the elders of the people. They question Him, asking, “By what authority are you doing these things?” And who gave you this authority?” The leaders were referring to the actions of Jesus, such as driving out the sellers and money changers from the temple, which was a direct challenge to their own authority and practices.
Jesus, in response, poses a counter-question to them regarding the authority of John the Baptist: “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” This places the religious leaders in a difficult position, as they were aware of John the Baptist’s widespread recognition as a prophet by the people, but they were not willing to acknowledge this, fearing the potential implications for their own authority and power.
The religious leaders then discuss amongst themselves and conclude that they cannot give a direct answer to Jesus’ question because they were afraid of the people who believed John the Baptist was a prophet. They reveal their insincerity and hypocrisy by evading Jesus’ question, prioritizing their own interests and power over the truth.
This passage highlights the theme of authority and challenges the religious leaders’ understanding of it. Jesus asserts His authority not through human endorsement or traditional institutions but as the Son of God. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently demonstrates His authority through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
The contrast between Jesus’ authority and the religious leaders’ earthly authority serves as a warning against pride, hypocrisy, and spiritual blindness. It emphasizes the importance of humility, faith, and obedience to God’s will rather than relying on human power and traditions.
This interaction also echoes the larger narrative of rejection and opposition that Jesus faced from the religious establishment throughout his ministry, leading ultimately to His crucifixion. The rejection of John the Baptist’s authority by the religious leaders foreshadows their rejection of Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation through His sacrificial death on the cross. Jesus proclaims in Matthew 28:18, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” and it is essential to consider this passage.” This statement reaffirms Jesus’ ultimate authority as the exalted Lord and Savior and underscores the timeless message of submission to His authority in all aspects of life.
Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus tells the Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21:28-32. This parable serves as a powerful lesson on obedience and repentance. A man in the first section of the verse (Matthew 21:28-30) asks his two sons to go and work in the vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later regrets his decision and goes to work as asked. The second son agrees to go work but does not follow through. This section highlights the importance of actions over empty promises. The first son, who initially refused, represents those who may have initially turned away from God but then repent and follow His will, while the second son represents those who speak pious words but do not act accordingly. This emphasizes the notion prevalent in the Bible that true faith is demonstrated through actions, not just words.
The second part of the verse (Matthew 21:31-32) has Jesus asking which of the two sons did the father’s will. The Pharisees correctly reply that it was the first son. Jesus then explains that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of them because, though they initially lived sinful lives, they believed John the Baptist’s message and repented. This passage beautifully illustrates the idea that true repentance and belief in God’s message can lead to forgiveness and salvation, regardless of one’s past actions. It also serves as a reminder that outward appearances or societal status do not determine one’s righteousness in the eyes of God.
This parable echoes the theme of repentance and forgiveness found throughout the Bible. The loving father welcomes back his son with open arms when he repents and returns home after squandering his inheritance in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). Similarly, in the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Jesus forgives her sins and tells her to sin no more, showing the power of repentance and grace. The Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21:28-32 emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance, obedience, and faith in God. It encourages believers to not just pay lip service to God’s commandments but to actively live out their faith through their actions. It also serves as a reminder that God’s grace is available to all who sincerely repent and turn towards Him, regardless of their past mistakes or sins.
Matthew 21:33-46
Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard owner in Matthew 21:33-46, conveying a powerful message about God’s relationship with His people. Let’s break down this passage to understand its significance. The landowner in the parable plants a vineyard, puts a wall around it, digs a winepress, and builds a watchtower. After leasing it to tenants, he goes away. When the harvest time comes, he sends his servants to collect his share of the fruit. However, the tenants mistreat and kill the servants, even the landowner’s own son, thinking they can take possession of the vineyard.
The landowner’s actions reflect God’s dealings with Israel. The vineyard represents God’s people, and the wall signifies the protection and care God provides. The winepress and watchtower represent God’s expectation of productivity and vigilance. The tenants symbolize the religious leaders of Israel who were supposed to guide and care for the people on God’s behalf. The servants sent by the landowner represent the prophets God sent to warn and guide His people. The son symbolizes Jesus, whom the religious leaders ultimately reject and crucify.
This parable serves as a critique of the religious leaders of the time, highlighting their rejection of God’s messengers throughout history, culminating in their rejection of Jesus himself. It foreshadows Jesus’ impending death and the transfer of God’s kingdom to a new people – the followers of Christ who bear fruit for the kingdom.
The stone that the builders rejected becomes the cornerstone, a reference to Psalm 118:22-23. Jesus, the rejected stone, will become the foundation of the new spiritual temple, which is built upon faith in Him. This rejection and subsequent exaltation of Jesus is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the fulfillment of prophecy and the establishment of a new covenant through Christ. Matthew 21:33-46 serves as a warning to religious leaders and a call to repentance. It emphasizes the consequences of rejecting God’s messengers and, ultimately, His Son. The parable challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, ensuring that we bear fruit for the kingdom and honor the cornerstone that the builders once rejected but which has become the foundation of our faith. It also reminds us of God’s patience and mercy, even in the face of rejection and betrayal.
After Matthew 21
Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly in this chapter, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah. He cleansed the temple, showing his authority and zeal for God’s house. Jesus also taught important lessons through parables, emphasizing the importance of true faith and obedience to God. Jesus, who came to bring salvation to all who believe in him, reminds us of his power and authority as we reflect on the events of this chapter. Let us also heed his teachings and strive to live lives that please God. Jesus will face opposition from religious leaders and continue to impart valuable lessons to his disciples in the next chapter. Stay tuned to learn more about the life and teachings of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.