God's Blessing

What does Matthew 21:1-11 really mean?

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.”

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Setting the Scene for Matthew 21:1-11

In Matthew chapter 21, we find Jesus and his disciples approaching Jerusalem. They have come from Bethphage, a village near the Mount of Olives. As they near the city, Jesus instructs two of his disciples to go ahead and find a donkey and its colt tied up, telling them that if anyone questions them, they are to say that the Lord needs them. The disciples do as Jesus instructed, and they bring the donkey and colt to Jesus.

The scene is bustling with excitement as Jesus sits on the donkey and begins to make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The disciples and a crowd of people spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road before Jesus. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the people shout, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
The city is abuzz with the news of Jesus’ arrival, and the crowds are growing as more people come out to see the man who has performed miracles and taught with authority. The air is filled with a sense of hope and expectation as the people recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The scene is a powerful moment of recognition and celebration as Jesus enters Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9.

What is Matthew 21:1-11 about?

This verse symbolizes Jesus’ humility and his role as the true King of the people. Jesus is demonstrating a stark contrast to the earthly kings who would ride in on horses as a symbol of power and dominance by entering Jerusalem on a donkey. Instead, Jesus chooses a humble and gentle animal, reflecting his own humility and compassion towards his followers. This act also fulfills the prophecy mentioned in the Old Testament, showing that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah who comes in peace rather than with force. Consider the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ actions as he enters Jerusalem on a donkey. Ask yourself why Jesus chose to enter in this way and what message he was trying to convey to his followers and to the world. Contemplate the significance of Jesus as a different kind of King, one who values humility, compassion, and love above all else. Let this verse challenge you to examine your own understanding of leadership and power, and to strive towards embodying the same humility and grace that Jesus demonstrated.

Understanding what Matthew 21:1-11 really means

Structure for Commentary

  1. Introduction to the Passage
  2. Contextual Background
  3. Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases
  4. Cross-Referencing Other Biblical Passages
  5. Relevance to Contemporary Life
  6. Anecdotal Illustration
  7. Concluding Thoughts

Commentary

Introduction to the Passage

Matthew 21:1-11 narrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a momentous event that precedes His crucifixion and resurrection. This passage holds deep significance as it marks the fulfillment of messianic prophecies and serves as a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry.

Contextual Background

To fully appreciate this passage, it’s essential to understand the cultural and historical context. During this time, Jerusalem was bustling with pilgrims arriving for the Passover festival. The Jewish people had long awaited a Messiah who would liberate them from Roman oppression. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a deliberate act rich in symbolic meaning, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, specifically Zechariah 9:9.

Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases

One of the most striking phrases in this passage is “Hosanna to the Son of David!” The term “Hosanna” is a cry for salvation, meaning “save us, we pray.” This exclamation reveals the people’s recognition of Jesus as the promised descendant of David, a kingly figure who would bring salvation. Another significant detail is Jesus choosing to ride a donkey. Unlike a horse, which symbolizes war, a donkey signifies peace. Jesus’ choice underscores His role as the Prince of Peace, contrasting sharply with the expectations of a militaristic Messiah.

Cross-Referencing Other Biblical Passages

This event aligns with prophecies from the Old Testament, such as Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of a king coming “gentle and riding on a donkey.” Additionally, Psalm 118:25-26 includes the cry “Hosanna,” linking Jesus’ entry with the Messianic expectations rooted in Jewish tradition. These connections emphasize the continuity of God’s plan as revealed through Scripture. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey offers a countercultural model of leadership based on humility and peace in a world where leaders often display power through force and domination. It challenges us to reconsider our understanding of power and success. Are we seeking to dominate, or are we striving to serve others with humility? The CEO decided to step down from his corporate office and work alongside his employees on the factory floor. He broke down barriers and fostered a sense of unity and mutual respect by doing so. Similarly, Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem invites us to break down the barriers that separate us from others, embracing a posture of service and humility.

Concluding Thoughts

Matthew 21:1-11 is not just a historical account but a vivid illustration of Jesus’ mission and character. It calls us to reflect on the nature of true leadership and the kind of “kingdom” we are building in our own lives. Let us remember to embody the humility and peace that Jesus exemplified as we navigate our daily challenges, impacting the world around us in profound ways. This passage encourages us to live out our faith with a heart of service, echoing the cry of “Hosanna” in our actions and attitudes.

How can we humble ourselves before God and others?

One way we can humble ourselves before God and others is by acknowledging our need for Him and recognizing His authority in our lives. This can be done through prayer, seeking His guidance, and surrendering our will to His. We show that we trust in God’s wisdom and plan for our lives by humbling ourselves before Him, rather than relying solely on our own understanding.

Additionally, we can humble ourselves before others by practicing humility and servanthood. This may involve putting others’ needs before our own, showing kindness and compassion, and being willing to listen, learn, and grow from others. We demonstrate a heart of humility that reflects the character of Christ by treating others with respect and love. Humility is ultimately about recognizing our limitations and weaknesses, while also acknowledging the greatness and sovereignty of God. It involves surrendering our pride, selfish desires, and need for control, and instead embracing a posture of humility that allows God to work in and through us for His glory.

Application

Picture yourself navigating through the hustle and bustle of work and family life like Jesus entering Jerusalem. He chose a modest donkey over a grand horse, teaching us humility and service. Where in your busy life can you choose humility over pride? Can you serve a colleague or family member today? Will you rise to the challenge and embody Jesus’ example of humble service?