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Matthew 21

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.

And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.

Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.

And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.

But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.

And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?

They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.

But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

What does Matthew 21:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 21:10 captures the moment when Jesus enters Jerusalem, an event that is often referred to as the Triumphal Entry.

This particular verse highlights the reaction of the city to Jesus' arrival.

The text uses the phrase "all the city was moved," suggesting a significant stir or commotion among the inhabitants.

The question, "Who is this?" indicates that while Jesus had a reputation, not everyone was familiar with him or understood the significance of his arrival.

This verse sets the stage for Jesus' final days and his eventual crucifixion, placing emphasis on his recognition as an important, albeit enigmatic figure to the people of Jerusalem.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Jerusalem was under Roman occupation, and the city would have been a hub of religious and political activity, especially during significant Jewish festivals.

The event described in this verse likely occurred around the time of the Passover, a period when the city would be crowded with pilgrims.

Jesus entered the city riding on a donkey, which was a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, signifying the arrival of a king who comes in peace rather than as a war-waging conqueror.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse presents Jesus as the Messiah, the one whom the prophets of the Old Testament had foretold.

The way the city is moved and posed with the question "Who is this?" reflects a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus' identity is a central question.

Moreover, the humble manner of Jesus' entrance contrasts with contemporary expectations of the Messiah as a political liberator. This emphasizes the Christian belief that Jesus' kingship is not of this world but is spiritual and transcends conventional power dynamics.

Practical Applications

One practical application of this verse is the concept of recognizing and welcoming Jesus into one's life. Just as Jerusalem was confronted with Jesus' presence and had to grapple with his identity, individuals today are invited to consider who Jesus is to them.

The verse also inspires believers to practice humility and refrain from seeking glory in ways the world often values, but rather find strength and honor in modesty and peace, as exemplified by Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.

Cross-References

Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
Matthew 21:5: "Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."
John 12:14-15: "And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt."

Language Study

The phrase "all the city was moved" translated from the Greek "ἐσείσθη πᾶσα ἡ πόλις" (eseisthē pasa hē polis) is particularly noteworthy.

The verb "ἐσείσθη" (eseisthē) is a form of "σείω" (seió), meaning "to shake" or "to move." It implies a powerful disturbance or commotion.

This word choice suggests a profound impact that Jesus' arrival had on Jerusalem.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of a figure entering a city to great acclaim is not unique to Christianity.

Comparable instances can be found in various ancient cultures, where gods or heroes are celebrated with processions and public adulation.

For instance, in Roman culture, a victorious general might enter the city in a triumphal procession.

However, in the context of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the mode is one of humility, subverting the typical grandiose entry of a conquering hero.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse is primarily theological and historical in context, scientific perspectives might address the psychological impact of a significant event or figure on a large group of people, the "city was moved" could be studied in terms of mass psychology and the ways in which human beings respond to the presence of influential leaders.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer a range of interpretations of Matthew 21:10.

Some emphasize the fulfillment of prophecy, while others focus on the contrast between Jesus' peaceful entry and the expectation of a royal procession.

Commentators like William Barclay note the irony that while Jerusalem failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, the city was nevertheless deeply stirred by his presence.

Matthew Henry's commentary remarks on the providence of God in preparing the city of Jerusalem for its Redeemer, even if its recognition of Him was incomplete.

Matthew 21

Matthew 21

What does Matthew 21:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 21:10 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?