◄ Matthew 21 ►
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The Triumphal Entry (Zechariah 9:9–13; Mark 11:1–11; Luke 19:28–40; John 12:12–19) 1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to Me. 3If anyone questions you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” 4This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5“Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”a 6So the disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7They brought the donkey and the colt and laid their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. 8A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: “Hosanna to the Son of David!”b “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”c “Hosanna in the highest!”d 10When Jesus had entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” 11The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Jesus Cleanses the Temple (Mark 11:15–19; Luke 19:45–48; John 2:12–25) 12Then Jesus entered the temple courtse and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. 13And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’f But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’g” 14The blind and the lame came to Him at the temple, and He healed them. 15But the chief priests and scribes were indignant when they saw the wonders He performed and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” 16“Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’h?” 17Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where He spent the night. The Barren Fig Tree (Mark 11:12–14; Mark 11:20–25) 18In the morning, as Jesus was returning to the city, He was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. “May you never bear fruit again!” He said. And immediately the tree withered. 20When the disciples saw this, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” 21“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Jesus’ Authority Challenged (Mark 11:27–33; Luke 20:1–8) 23When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” 24“I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” 27So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. The Parable of the Two Sons 28But what do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29‘I will not,’ he replied. But later he changed his mind and went.i 30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go. 31Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,j” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Mark 12:1–12; Luke 20:9–18) 33Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. 34When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. 35But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. 36Again, he sent other servants, more than the first group. But the tenants did the same to them. 37Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. 38But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ 39So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard returns, what will he do to those tenants?” 41“He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.” 42Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’k? 43Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. 44He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.l” 45When the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they knew that Jesus was speaking about them. 46Although they wanted to arrest Him, they were afraid of the crowds, because the people regarded Him as a prophet. Footnotes: 5 a Zechariah 9:9 9 b Hosanna is a transliteration of the Hebrew Hosia-na, meaning Save, we pray or Save now, which became a shout of praise; see Psalm 118:25; also in verse 15. 9 c Psalm 118:26 9 d Or “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” See Psalm 118:25 and Psalm 148:1. 12 e Literally the temple; also in verses 15 and 23; BYZ and TR the temple of God 13 f Isaiah 56:7 13 g Jeremiah 7:11 16 h Psalm 8:2 (see also LXX) 29 i NE and WH But he went. 31 j NE and WH The latter 42 k Psalm 118:22–23 44 l Tischendorf and some early manuscripts do not include verse 44; see also Luke 20:18. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Matthew 21 Summary The Triumphal Entry Verses 1–11 – The Triumphal Entry Jesus approaches Jerusalem from Bethphage, instructs two disciples to fetch a donkey and colt, and rides in exactly as Zechariah foretold. Crowds spread cloaks and branches, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and the whole city stirs, asking, “Who is this?” Verses 12–17 – Cleansing the Temple & Children’s Praise Inside the temple courts Jesus overturns the tables of money-changers, declaring, “My house will be called a house of prayer.” The blind and lame come to Him and are healed. Religious leaders are indignant when children cry out, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” but Jesus points them to Psalm 8:2. He then withdraws to Bethany for the night. Verses 18–22 – The Withered Fig Tree & Faith-Filled Prayer Early next morning, Jesus, hungry, curses an unfruitful fig tree; it withers at once. Amazed disciples hear Him teach that faith without doubt can move mountains and that answered prayer hinges on belief. Verses 23–27 – Challenge to Jesus’ Authority Back in the temple, chief priests and elders demand His credentials. Jesus answers with a counter-question about John’s baptism. Unable to answer without trapping themselves, they retreat in silence, and Jesus withholds further explanation. Verses 28–32 – Parable of the Two Sons A father tells two sons to work in his vineyard. One refuses but later obeys; the other agrees but never goes. Jesus applies it: notorious sinners, having repented, enter God’s kingdom ahead of self-righteous leaders. Verses 33–46 – Parable of the Wicked Tenants A landowner leases his vineyard; tenants beat and kill the servants he sends and finally murder his son. Jesus warns the leaders that “the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” They realize the parable targets them and look for a way to arrest Him. Matthew 21 presents pivotal events in Jesus' life as He enters Jerusalem amidst public acclaim, cleanses the temple, and delivers parables that expose the religious leaders' hypocrisy. The chapter highlights Jesus' royal yet humble authority, His zeal for God's house, and the power of unwavering faith. Historical Setting: Crowds, Calendar, and Climate • Passover week drew perhaps two million pilgrims into Jerusalem. The route from Bethphage over the Mount of Olives descends the ridge and gives a sweeping view of the city and Temple Mount—perfect for a public declaration of Messiahship. • Harvest-time palms symbolized national hope (cf. 1 Maccabees 13:51). Laying branches was both celebration and open plea for deliverance from Roman rule. Prophecy Fulfilled: Zechariah 9:9 and Isaiah 62:11 Matthew quotes: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.’” A donkey, not a warhorse, signals peaceful kingship. Compare Solomon’s coronation ride (1 Kings 1:33). Why Two Animals? Matthew notes both donkey and colt. He follows Hebrew poetic parallelism in Zechariah and shows the disciples bring the mother to calm the unbroken colt. Jesus rides the colt, fulfilling prophecy while demonstrating supernatural control over nature. “Hosanna” and Messianic Expectation • “Hosanna” translates “Save, we pray” (Psalm 118:25-26). • Psalm 118 was a standard Passover psalm; the crowd’s shout gives it a new Messianic layer. • Calling Jesus “Son of David” openly assigns regal lineage (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Cleansing the Temple: Spiritual Housekeeping • Money-changers swapped pagan coins for Tyrian silver appropriate for temple tax. Mark-ups exploited pilgrims. • Selling doves inside the Court of the Gentiles turned worship space into a market, barring nations from prayer (Isaiah 56:7). • By quoting Jeremiah 7:11 (“a den of robbers”), Jesus echoes the prophet’s warning of coming judgment. Archaeological Notes on the Temple Mount • Recent digs near the Southern Stairs show paved shopping streets and coin weights matching first-century commerce, underlining how commerce pressed up against worship. • Mikveh pools nearby explain rapid access for cleansed, healed worshipers Jesus welcomes. Healing the Blind and Lame Isaiah 35:5-6 promised Messiah would open blind eyes and make the lame leap. That Isaiah passage ties physical healing to spiritual renewal for Israel. The Fig Tree: Living Picture of Israel • Fig trees leaf before fruit. Leaves with no figs signal barrenness. • Hosea 9:10 and Jeremiah 8:13 use figs as symbols of Israel’s fruitfulness status. Jesus dramatizes impending judgment on outward religiosity lacking real obedience. • “Whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (21:22) balances judgment with promise: faith can reverse barren situations. Authority Questioned—John the Baptist Connection • John 1:29 called Jesus “the Lamb of God.” By linking Jesus’ authority to John’s baptism, the Lord forces leaders to admit or deny prophetic witness. • Luke 7:29-30 records the same officials rejecting John, proving a persistent pattern of unbelief. Parable of the Two Sons: Words vs. Deeds • Proverbs 20:11—“Even a child is known by his actions.” • Tax collectors and prostitutes changed course (Luke 3:12-13; 7:36-50), embodying the first son. Leaders, like the second son, offered polite assent but no obedience. Parable of the Wicked Tenants: Vineyard Motif from Isaiah 5 • Isaiah 5:1-7: Israel is God’s vineyard. He expected justice but found bloodshed. • Servants = prophets (2 Chronicles 36:15-16). The son = Jesus, “the heir.” • “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22) predicts both rejection and exaltation. Acts 4:11 cites this verse to prove Jesus’ resurrection and church foundation. Archaeology of Vineyard Towers Excavations in Galilee (e.g., Kibbutz Ramat Rachel) show stone watchtowers, winepresses, and hedges like Jesus’ description, grounding the parable in everyday agricultural life. Practical Takeaways for Believers • Welcome the King every day—lay down “cloaks” of self-rule. • Keep worship spaces—churches and hearts—free from commercial distraction. • Examine fruit: leaves of appearance are not enough; authentic obedience matters. • Pray big: mountains move when requests align with God’s will and are made in faith (James 1:5-7). • Let actions follow promises. Better to repent late than pledge and ignore. • Steward God’s gifts faithfully; He expects a harvest of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23). Connections Forward to the Passion Matthew 21 sets in motion final conflict: • Triumphal entry builds toward the cross—praise will turn to shouts of “Crucify!” (27:22). • Fig tree judgment foreshadows the temple veil tearing (27:51). • Rejection of the Son previews His death outside the vineyard—Golgotha (27:33). Yet resurrection will vindicate the Cornerstone and open the kingdom to all who produce its fruit. Connections to Additional Scriptures Zechariah 9:9 The prophecy of the coming King, fulfilled in Jesus' triumphal entry. Isaiah 56:7 God's desire for His house to be a house of prayer for all nations. John 15:1-8 The call to abide in Christ and bear much fruit. James 1:22 The importance of being doers of the word, not hearers only. Teaching Points The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11) Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. This act symbolizes His role as the humble King of peace, contrasting with earthly kings who often come with power and might. Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17) Jesus drives out the money changers, declaring, My house will be called a house of prayer (Matthew 21:13). This act underscores His authority over religious practices and His desire for genuine worship. The Withered Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-22) Jesus curses a barren fig tree, which withers immediately. This serves as a metaphor for the spiritual barrenness of Israel and a call to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Matthew 21:23-27) Religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority, but He responds with wisdom, highlighting their unwillingness to accept Him as the Messiah. Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) This parable illustrates the importance of obedience to God's will, contrasting those who merely profess faith with those who act upon it. Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) Jesus warns of the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and ultimately His Son, emphasizing the accountability of those entrusted with God's kingdom. Practical Applications Recognize Jesus' Authority Acknowledge Jesus as the rightful King in every area of your life, submitting to His will and guidance. Cultivate Genuine Worship Ensure that your worship is sincere and not merely ritualistic, focusing on a heart that seeks to honor God. Bear Spiritual Fruit Examine your life for evidence of spiritual growth and fruitfulness, striving to live in a way that reflects Christ's character. Respond with Obedience Like the son who ultimately did his father's will, prioritize actions that align with God's commands over mere words. Heed God's Warnings Take seriously the warnings found in Scripture, understanding the consequences of rejecting God's truth and grace. People 1. Jesus Jesus is the central figure in Matthew 21. He enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. He is depicted as the Messiah and King, who cleanses the temple and teaches with authority. The Greek name "Ἰησοῦς" (Iēsous) is derived from the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." 2. The Disciples The disciples are followers of Jesus who accompany Him to Jerusalem. They are instructed by Jesus to fetch the donkey and colt for His entry into the city (Matthew 21:1-6). 3. The Crowds The crowds are the people who spread their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" as Jesus enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:8-9). "Hosanna" is a Hebrew expression meaning "save, please," indicating their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. 4. The Chief Priests and Scribes These religious leaders are mentioned as being indignant at the children shouting praises to Jesus in the temple (Matthew 21:15). They later question Jesus' authority (Matthew 21:23). 5. The Money Changers and Merchants These individuals are in the temple courts, conducting business. Jesus drives them out, accusing them of turning the temple into a "den of robbers" (Matthew 21:12-13). 6. The Blind and the Lame These individuals come to Jesus in the temple, and He heals them (Matthew 21:14). Their presence and healing underscore Jesus' compassion and divine authority. 7. The Children The children in the temple cry out, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" echoing the praises of the crowd during Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:15-16). 8. The Owner of the Vineyard In the Parable of the Tenants, the owner of the vineyard represents God. He sends servants and eventually his son to collect the fruit, symbolizing the prophets and Jesus Himself (Matthew 21:33-39). 9. The Tenants The tenants in the parable represent the religious leaders of Israel who reject and kill the servants and the son, symbolizing their rejection of the prophets and Jesus (Matthew 21:33-39). 10. The Servants In the parable, the servants sent by the vineyard owner represent the prophets sent by God to Israel, who were often mistreated or killed (Matthew 21:34-36). 11. The Son The son in the parable represents Jesus, the Son of God, who is ultimately rejected and killed by the tenants (Matthew 21:37-39). Places 1. Bethphage ^Description^: Bethphage is a village located on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem. It is significant as the place where Jesus instructed His disciples to find a donkey and a colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The name "Bethphage" comes from the Aramaic "בית פגי" (Beth Pagi), meaning "house of unripe figs." 2. Mount of Olives ^Description^: The Mount of Olives is a ridge located east of Jerusalem, across the Kidron Valley. It holds prophetic significance in the Bible and is the location from which Jesus began His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Greek term used is "Ὄρος τῶν Ἐλαιῶν" (Oros tōn Elaiōn), meaning "Mount of Olives." 3. Jerusalem ^Description^: Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. In Matthew 21, it is where Jesus enters triumphantly, fulfilling prophecy, and later cleanses the Temple. The name "Jerusalem" is derived from the Hebrew "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim), meaning "foundation of peace." 4. Temple ^Description^: The Temple in Jerusalem is the holy place of worship for the Jewish people. In Matthew 21, Jesus enters the Temple and drives out the money changers, declaring it a house of prayer. The Greek word used is "ἱερόν" (hieron), referring to the sacred precincts of the Temple. 5. Bethany ^Description^: Bethany is a village near Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. It is known as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. In Matthew 21, Jesus lodges in Bethany after His activities in Jerusalem. The name "Bethany" comes from the Aramaic "בית עניא" (Beth Anya), meaning "house of affliction" or "house of figs." Events 1. The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11) Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd spreads their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” (Matthew 21:9). The Greek word "Hosanna" (ὡσαννά) is a transliteration of the Hebrew phrase meaning "Save, please." 2. Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13) Jesus enters the temple courts and drives out those buying and selling, overturning the tables of the money changers. He declares, “It is written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers’” (Matthew 21:13), referencing Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. 3. Healing in the Temple (Matthew 21:14-16) The blind and the lame come to Jesus in the temple, and He heals them. The chief priests and scribes are indignant when they see the wonderful things He does and hear the children shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” Jesus responds by quoting Psalm 8:2, “From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise.” 4. The Withered Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-22) Jesus curses a barren fig tree, and it withers immediately. This act serves as a lesson on faith and prayer. Jesus tells His disciples, “If you have faith and do not doubt...it will be done” (Matthew 21:21). 5. Questioning of Jesus’ Authority (Matthew 21:23-27) The chief priests and elders question Jesus’ authority. He responds with a question about John the Baptist’s baptism, which they cannot answer. Jesus then declines to tell them by what authority He does these things. 6. Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) Jesus tells a parable about a father who asks his two sons to work in the vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later goes, while the second son agrees to go but does not. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the repentance of tax collectors and prostitutes, who believed John the Baptist. 7. Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) Jesus shares a parable about a landowner who plants a vineyard and rents it to tenants. When the landowner sends servants and eventually his son to collect the fruit, the tenants beat and kill them. Jesus concludes by stating that the kingdom of God will be taken from them and given to a people who will produce its fruit. The chief priests and Pharisees realize He is speaking about them. Lessons from Matthew 21 1. The Humble King Enters Jerusalem In Matthew 21:5, we see the fulfillment of prophecy as Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your King comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.'" This teaches us about the humility of Christ, who, despite being the King of Kings, chose a humble entrance. It reminds us to embrace humility in our own lives, following His example. 2. Faith Moves Mountains Jesus emphasizes the power of faith in Matthew 21:21: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt... you can say to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen." This lesson encourages us to cultivate a strong, unwavering faith that can overcome any obstacle, trusting in God's power and promises. 3. The Cleansing of the Temple In Matthew 21:12-13, Jesus cleanses the temple, declaring, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers." This act underscores the importance of purity and reverence in worship. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that our hearts are true places of worship, free from distractions and sin. 4. The Power of Prayer Matthew 21:22 offers a profound promise: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." This lesson highlights the importance of prayer in our relationship with God. It encourages us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers according to His will. 5. The Parable of the Two Sons In Matthew 21:28-31, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons, illustrating the importance of obedience over mere words. The son who initially refused but later obeyed his father is commended. This teaches us that actions speak louder than words, and true repentance is demonstrated through obedience to God's commands. 6. The Rejected Stone Becomes the Cornerstone Matthew 21:42 quotes Psalm 118:22-23: "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This lesson reveals Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith, despite being rejected by many. It encourages us to build our lives on Him, the firm foundation that will never fail. 7. Bearing Fruit for the Kingdom In the parable of the tenants (Matthew 21:33-41), Jesus warns against fruitlessness. The vineyard owner expects fruit from his vineyard, just as God expects us to bear spiritual fruit. This lesson challenges us to live productive lives that reflect His love and truth, impacting the world around us. 8. The Authority of Jesus When questioned about His authority in Matthew 21:23-27, Jesus skillfully redirects the question, revealing the religious leaders' hypocrisy. This lesson reminds us of Jesus' divine authority and the importance of recognizing and submitting to His lordship in every area of our lives. 9. The Importance of Repentance Matthew 21:32 highlights the significance of repentance: "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did." This lesson teaches us that genuine repentance leads to transformation and acceptance into God's kingdom, regardless of our past. 10. God's Patience and Justice The parable of the tenants also illustrates God's patience and eventual justice. Despite repeated rejections, God continues to offer opportunities for repentance. This lesson reassures us of His patience but also warns of the consequences of persistent disobedience, urging us to respond to His call with urgency. These lessons from Matthew 21 invite us to deepen our faith, embrace humility, and live lives that honor God. Let them inspire you to walk more closely with Him each day. Topics 1. The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11) Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd shouts "Hosanna," which is derived from the Hebrew "Hoshana," meaning "Save, please." This event signifies Jesus' messianic entry as the King of Israel. 2. Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17) Jesus drives out the money changers and merchants from the temple, declaring, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers" (Matthew 21:13). This act emphasizes the sanctity of worship and the corruption that had infiltrated the temple. 3. The Withered Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-22) Jesus curses a barren fig tree, which withers immediately. This serves as a symbolic act representing the spiritual barrenness of Israel. The Greek word "ξηραίνω" (xērainō) is used for "withered," indicating a complete drying up or destruction. 4. The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Matthew 21:23-27) The chief priests and elders question Jesus' authority. Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist's authority, highlighting their inability to recognize divine authority due to their hardened hearts. 5. The Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32) Jesus tells a parable about two sons asked to work in the vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later obeys, while the second son agrees but does not follow through. This parable illustrates the importance of true repentance and obedience to God's will. 6. The Parable of the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) Jesus shares a parable about tenants who kill the landowner's son, symbolizing Israel's rejection of the prophets and ultimately the Son of God. The Greek term "κακοὺς" (kakous) is used for "wicked," emphasizing the moral corruption of the tenants. Themes 1. The Triumphal Entry Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing His role as the humble Messiah. The crowd's acclamation, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:9), acknowledges His messianic kingship. The Greek word "Hosanna" (ὡσαννά) is a plea for salvation, reflecting the people's hope for deliverance. 2. Cleansing of the Temple Jesus drives out the money changers, declaring, "My house will be called a house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). This act emphasizes the sanctity of worship and condemns the commercialization of religious practices. The Greek term "ἱερόν" (hieron) refers to the temple complex, highlighting the broader context of worship. 3. The Withered Fig Tree Jesus curses a barren fig tree, which withers immediately, illustrating the consequences of spiritual fruitlessness. He teaches about faith and prayer, saying, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22). The fig tree symbolizes Israel's spiritual barrenness. 4. Authority of Jesus Questioned The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority, to which He responds with a question about John the Baptist's baptism. This exchange underscores the divine authority of Jesus and the leaders' unwillingness to recognize it. The Greek word "ἐξουσία" (exousia) denotes authority or power, central to this theme. 5. Parable of the Two Sons Jesus tells a parable about obedience, contrasting two sons' responses to their father's command. The parable highlights the importance of genuine repentance and obedience to God's will. The Greek word "μεταμέλομαι" (metamelomai) used for repentance indicates a change of mind or regret. 6. Parable of the Tenants This parable depicts the rejection of God's messengers and the eventual sending of His Son, whom the tenants kill. It foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion and the transfer of God's kingdom to those who produce its fruits. The Greek term "γεωργοί" (geōrgoi) refers to the tenants, symbolizing Israel's leaders. 7. The Cornerstone Jesus quotes Psalm 118:22, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Matthew 21:42), signifying His foundational role in God's redemptive plan. The Greek word "κεφαλή" (kephalē) for cornerstone emphasizes its critical importance in the structure. Prayer Points Praise for Jesus' Kingship Thank God for sending Jesus as the humble and righteous King who brings salvation. Repentance for Spiritual Barrenness Ask for forgiveness for areas of spiritual barrenness and seek God's help to bear fruit. Commitment to Obedience Pray for the strength and willingness to obey God's commands and live out your faith authentically. Discernment of Authority Request wisdom to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority in all aspects of life. As we reflect on Matthew 21, may we be challenged to live under the authority of Christ, bearing fruit that glorifies God and impacts the world around us. Answering Tough Questions 1. How does Matthew 21:4–7 reconcile Jesus riding both a donkey and a colt, unlike the single animal mentioned in other Gospels? 2. Why does Jesus curse a fig tree in Matthew 21:19 for having no fruit when it was not the season for figs? 3. How can Matthew 21:4–5 be considered a valid fulfillment of prophecy if the details differ from other Gospel accounts? 4. Is there historical or archaeological evidence to support the large-scale temple cleansing described in Matthew 21:12–13? 5. Why do the crowds in Matthew 21:9 publicly proclaim Jesus as the “Son of David” if secular records are silent about this event? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem teach us about His nature and mission? 2. How does the cleansing of the temple reflect Jesus' attitude towards religious corruption? 3. What does the cursing of the fig tree teach us about faith and fruitfulness? 4. In what ways does the Parable of the Two Sons challenge our actions versus our promises? 5. How does the Parable of the Tenants foreshadow the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion? 6. How does Jesus' reaction to the religious leaders questioning His authority provide insight into dealing with unjust criticism? 7. How can we apply the lessons from the cleansing of the temple to our modern day worship practices? 8. What are the implications of Jesus' teachings on faith for our personal prayer life? 9. How does Jesus' response to the praise of children affirm His acceptance of sincere worship? 10. How do the parables in this chapter challenge religious hypocrisy? 11. In what ways can we guard against unfruitfulness, as illustrated by the cursed fig tree? 12. How can we demonstrate a faith that moves mountains in our current circumstances? 13. How does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem model humility despite recognition? 14. In what ways does the Parable of the Two Sons challenge us to align our actions with our words? 15. How can we ensure our places of worship maintain the purity and focus that Jesus demonstrated in the temple? 16. What can we learn from the religious leaders' inability to answer Jesus' question about John's baptism? 17. How does the Parable of the Tenants reflect on the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and His Son? 18. How does the religious leaders' fear of the crowds inform us about the power of popular opinion? 19. How can we cultivate a heart that produces the fruits of the kingdom, as implied in the Parable of the Tenants? 20. How can the Triumphal Entry inspire us to publicly recognize and honor Jesus in our lives today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions