Understanding Matthew 21:1-3

The Historical Context

Matthew 21:1-3 is a well-known passage in the Bible that tells the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This event took place during the time of Passover, a Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt. During this time, many Jews would make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the temple.

Jesus and his disciples were also in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. However, their arrival was significant as Jesus was seen as a controversial figure by the religious leaders of the time. Many were expecting Jesus to declare himself as the Messiah and to overthrow the Roman rule in Jerusalem.

The Story of Jesus’ Entry into Jerusalem

The passage in Matthew 21:1-3 tells the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead of him to find a donkey and a colt. They were to bring the donkey and colt to him, and if anyone asked them why, they were to say that the Lord needed them.

When the disciples brought the donkey and the colt to Jesus, he sat on the donkey and made his way into Jerusalem. The people who were in Jerusalem for the Passover festival heard that Jesus was coming and they went out to meet him. They spread their cloaks on the road and waved palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9).

The Significance of the Story

The story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which says, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” This prophecy was seen as a messianic prophecy, and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfilled this prophecy.

Secondly, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was a symbolic act that challenged the religious and political authorities of the time. By entering Jerusalem in this way, Jesus was declaring that he was the Messiah, the long-awaited king of Israel. This was a direct challenge to the Roman rule in Jerusalem and the authority of the Jewish religious leaders.

The Lessons We Can Learn

The story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of prophecy in the Bible. The prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 was fulfilled in Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, and it reminds us that God’s word is true and trustworthy.

Secondly, the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus. The people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem were excited to see him and recognized him as the Messiah. However, not everyone welcomed Jesus, and many rejected him. We are faced with the same choice today, to accept or reject Jesus as the Messiah.

Finally, the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem reminds us of the power of God to bring about change in the world. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem challenged the religious and political authorities of the time, and it ultimately led to his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. However, this was not the end of the story. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead showed that God’s power is greater than the power of the world, and that God is ultimately in control.

Conclusion

The story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is a powerful reminder of the significance of Jesus’ life and ministry. It reminds us of the importance of prophecy, challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus, and reminds us of the power of God to bring about change in the world. As we reflect on this story, may we be inspired to follow Jesus and to trust in his power to transform our lives and our world.