Matthew 21:9-11 is about the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where the crowds acclaimed Him as the Son of David, signifying His role as the promised Messiah.
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.”
Setting the Scene for Matthew 21:9-11
In Matthew chapter 21, we find Jesus entering Jerusalem triumphantly on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. The scene is set on the outskirts of Jerusalem, with crowds of people lining the streets, waving palm branches and laying their cloaks on the ground as a sign of honor and respect for Jesus. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation as word spreads that the long-awaited Messiah has arrived.
In the midst of the crowd are Jesus’ disciples, who have been following him faithfully and witnessing his miracles and teachings. They are overjoyed to see the people recognizing Jesus as the Son of David, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The religious leaders, on the other hand, are troubled by the commotion and the claims being made about Jesus. They question his authority and are plotting to find a way to silence him.
As Jesus rides into Jerusalem, he is greeted by a diverse group of people – the faithful followers who believe in him, the curious onlookers who have heard of his deeds, and the skeptical religious leaders who are threatened by his teachings. The stage is set for the events that will unfold in the coming days, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
What is Matthew 21:9-11 about?
We witness a pivotal moment in the life of Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, the epicenter of religious and political power in ancient Judea in this verse. His arrival is significant not just on a symbolic level but also on a historical and theological one. Jesus, by entering Jerusalem as the anticipated Messiah, fulfills prophecies from the Old Testament, solidifying his identity as the chosen one sent by God to bring salvation to humanity. The city’s reaction to his arrival underscores the impact and magnitude of this event, stirring up emotions and expectations among the people.
Imagine the scene as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a humble donkey, surrounded by crowds chanting and waving palms in celebration. How would you feel witnessing such a momentous occasion? Would you too be caught up in the excitement and anticipation of what this entrance signifies? Reflect on the deeper significance of Jesus’s actions and how they point towards his ultimate mission of redemption and spiritual renewal. Let this verse serve as a reminder of the profound impact that Jesus had on those around him and the world at large.
Understanding what Matthew 21:9-11 really means
The passage in Matthew 21:9-11 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry – His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, the crowd welcomed Him with shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David!” This exclamation was not merely a spontaneous outburst but a profound declaration of Jesus as the promised Messiah. The use of “Hosanna,” meaning “Save, please!” in Hebrew, reflected the people’s longing for deliverance and their recognition of Jesus as the one who could bring salvation.
Furthermore, the title “Son of David” attributed to Jesus in this passage holds significant messianic implications. It links Jesus to the lineage of King David, reinforcing the belief that He is the long-awaited Messiah foretold in the Scriptures. The crowd’s proclamation of “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” echoes Psalm 118:26, emphasizing Jesus’ divine authority and the fulfillment of God’s promises through His arrival.
In Luke’s account of the same event, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ criticism by stating that if the people were silent, even the stones would cry out in praise. This underscores the inevitability and importance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It serves as a powerful reminder that the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah is not only crucial but also inevitable, as all creation is called to acknowledge His lordship.
Today, this passage challenges us to reflect on our own understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission. Are we like the crowd, eagerly welcoming Jesus as our Savior and King, or do we sometimes overlook His significance in our lives? In a world marked by uncertainty and turmoil, the cry of “Hosanna” resonates with those seeking salvation and hope. It prompts us to reexamine our expectations of Jesus and to embrace Him as the source of true deliverance and redemption.
As a pastor, this passage compels me to lead my congregation in authentic worship and to continually point them towards the hope we have in Christ. Just as the crowd’s praises were loud and visible, our faith should be evident in our words and actions. We are called to be living testimonies to the transformative power of Jesus, ensuring that His kingship is proclaimed not only in our churches but also in our daily lives.
By delving into the historical and theological significance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, we gain a deeper appreciation for the profound impact of this event on our faith journey. It serves as a reminder of Jesus’ role as the Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the source of our eternal hope. May we, like the crowd on that day, welcome Jesus into our hearts with shouts of praise and adoration, recognizing Him as our Savior and King.
Who is Jesus to me?
To me, Jesus is the Messiah, the one who comes in the name of the Lord. He is the one who brings salvation and peace, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. Jesus is the Son of David, the rightful heir to the throne, and the one who has come to establish God’s kingdom on earth.
Jesus is the one whom the crowds recognize and welcome with praise and adoration. He is the one who draws people to himself with his teachings, his miracles, and his compassion. Jesus is the one who brings hope and healing to all who come to him, regardless of their background or status. Jesus fulfills God’s promises, embodies love and grace, and is the source of eternal life. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, the one who deserves all honor, glory, and praise. Jesus is my Savior, my Lord, and my greatest treasure.
Application
Just as in the ancient times when Jesus entered into Jerusalem with joy and praise, can you also welcome Him into your heart with the same fervor? Embrace His presence in your everyday life, let His light guide you through the turmoil of this modern world. Will you actively seek to celebrate His love and grace daily, just as the people did on that unforgettable day?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.