Matthew 21:1
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples,
As they approached Jerusalem
The phrase "as they approached Jerusalem" signifies a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. Jerusalem, the city of David, holds profound historical and theological significance as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. The Greek word for "approached" (ἐγγίζω, eggizō) implies drawing near with purpose. This approach marks the beginning of the culmination of Jesus' earthly mission, as He prepares to fulfill the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Jerusalem is not just a geographical location but a symbol of God's covenant with His people and the place where Jesus will ultimately offer Himself as the sacrificial Lamb.

and came to Bethphage
"Bethphage" is a small village on the Mount of Olives, whose name means "house of unripe figs" in Aramaic. This location is significant as it is situated near Jerusalem, serving as a staging point for Jesus' triumphal entry. The mention of Bethphage highlights the fulfillment of prophecy, as it is from here that Jesus will send His disciples to procure the donkey, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. The village's proximity to Jerusalem underscores the immediacy of the events to unfold, bridging the journey from the Mount of Olives to the holy city.

on the Mount of Olives
The "Mount of Olives" is a ridge east of Jerusalem, known for its olive groves and its panoramic view of the city. Biblically, it is a place of significant events in Jesus' life, including His ascension (Acts 1:9-12). The Mount of Olives is also associated with eschatological prophecy, as seen in Zechariah 14:4, where it is prophesied that the Lord will stand upon it in the day of His return. This location serves as a backdrop for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, symbolizing peace and kingship, as olives and olive oil are often associated with anointing and the Spirit of God.

Jesus sent out two disciples
The act of Jesus sending "two disciples" is deliberate and purposeful. The number two is significant in Jewish tradition, often representing a valid testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15). By sending two disciples, Jesus ensures the fulfillment of His instructions with reliability and witness. This action demonstrates Jesus' authority and foreknowledge, as He orchestrates the events leading to His entry into Jerusalem. The disciples' obedience to Jesus' command reflects the trust and faith required of His followers, serving as a model for Christian discipleship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the New Testament, the Messiah, who is preparing to enter Jerusalem for what will be His final week before the crucifixion.

2. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who are being sent on a specific mission to fulfill a prophecy and prepare for Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

3. Jerusalem
The holy city, significant in Jewish history and prophecy, where Jesus will fulfill His mission of salvation.

4. Bethphage
A small village near Jerusalem, located on the Mount of Olives, significant as the starting point for Jesus' triumphal entry.

5. Mount of Olives
A ridge east of Jerusalem, often associated with significant events in Jesus' ministry and eschatological prophecies.
Teaching Points
Prophetic Fulfillment
Jesus' actions are deliberate and fulfill Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the divine plan of salvation.

Obedience and Trust
The disciples are tasked with a seemingly unusual mission, yet they obey without question, illustrating the importance of trusting Jesus' instructions.

Preparation for Worship
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a prelude to His ultimate sacrifice. Believers are called to prepare their hearts for worship and recognize Jesus as King.

Significance of Place
The locations mentioned are not random; they hold historical and prophetic significance, reminding us of God's sovereignty over time and events.

Role of Discipleship
The disciples' role in this event underscores the importance of being active participants in God's work, ready to serve and follow His lead.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Matthew 21:1-11 strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate obedience and trust in Jesus' instructions in your daily life, similar to the disciples in this passage?

3. What significance do the places mentioned in Matthew 21:1 hold for you personally, and how do they enhance your understanding of Jesus' mission?

4. How can you prepare your heart for worship, recognizing Jesus as King, in your personal and communal spiritual practices?

5. Reflect on a time when you were called to serve in a way that seemed unusual or challenging. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience in light of this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Zechariah 9:9
This Old Testament prophecy foretells the coming of a king to Jerusalem, humble and riding on a donkey, which Jesus fulfills in the subsequent verses.

Acts 1:12
The Mount of Olives is also the location from which Jesus ascends to heaven, highlighting its continued significance in His ministry.

Luke 19:29-30
Provides a parallel account of this event, offering additional details about the instructions Jesus gives to His disciples.
The Coming of the King to His PalaceAlexander MaclarenMatthew 21:1
The Donkey of BethphageW.F. Adeney Matthew 21:1-5
An Exciting InquiryC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 21:1-11
Another Royal ProcessionC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 21:1-11
Christ a KingFoster.Matthew 21:1-11
Christ's Entry into the WorldW. H. Hutchings, M. A.Matthew 21:1-11
Christ's Triumphal Entry into JerusalemW. Jones.Matthew 21:1-11
Clothes to Tread OnC. Bulkey.Matthew 21:1-11
Entire ConsecrationJ Vaughan, M. A.Matthew 21:1-11
Fulfilment of ProphecyJohn Boys.Matthew 21:1-11
Popular AttractionsF. Wagstaff.Matthew 21:1-11
Sixth Sunday in LentJ. A. Seiss.Matthew 21:1-11
The City MovedBishop Hall.Matthew 21:1-11
The Lord's NeedDr. Parker.Matthew 21:1-11
The Lowly ErrandH. Melvill, B. D.Matthew 21:1-11
The Triumph of ChristJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 21:1-11
The Triumphal Entry into JerusalemC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 21:1-11
True and Counterfeit EnthusiasmJ. R. Bailey.Matthew 21:1-11
Entry into JerusalemMarcus Dods Matthew 21:1-22
People
David, Jesus, John
Places
Bethany, Bethphage, Galilee, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Nazareth, Zion
Topics
Approached, Arrived, Bethphage, Beth'phage, Beth-phage, Bethsphage, Disciples, Drew, Front, Jerusalem, Mount, Mountain, Nigh, Olives
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 21:1

     1651   numbers, 1-2

Matthew 21:1-3

     1424   predictions
     4017   life, animal and plant
     5233   borrowing

Matthew 21:1-6

     2590   Christ, triumphal entry

Matthew 21:1-9

     2312   Christ, as king

Library
The Stone of Stumbling
Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.'--MATT. xxi. 44. As Christ's ministry drew to its close, its severity and its gentleness both increased; its severity to the class to whom it was always severe, and its gentleness to the class from whom it never turned away. Side by side, through all His manifestation of Himself, there were the two aspects: 'He showed Himself froward' (if I may quote the word) to the self-righteous
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Coming of the King to his Palace
'And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, 2. 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. 3. And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. 4. All this was done, that it might he fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5. Tell ye
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The vineyard and Its Keepers
'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: 34. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. 35. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. 36. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A New Kind of King
'All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass.'--MATT. xxi. 4, 5. Our Lord's entrance into Jerusalem is one of the comparatively few events which are recorded in all the four Gospels. Its singular unlikeness to the rest of His life, and its powerful influence in bringing about the Crucifixion, may account for its prominence in the narratives. It took place probably
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

June the Twenty-First Room for the Saplings
"Children crying in the temple, saying Hosanna!" --MATTHEW xxi. 1-16. Children's voices mingling in the sounds of holy praise! A little child can share in the consecrated life. Young hearts can offer love pure as a limpid spring. Their sympathy is as responsive as the most sensitive harp, and yields to the touch of the tenderest joy and grief. No wonder the Lord "called little children unto Him"! They were unto Him as gracious streams, and as flowers of the field. Let the loving Saviour have our
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Christ and the Unstable.
TEXT: MATT. xxi. 10-16. WE have lately seen from several examples that what is properly to be regarded as the suffering of the Saviour, that is, His pain on account of sin, and of the opposition which it offered to His divine work, did not begin merely with the time which, in a stricter sense, we indicate as His period of suffering, but accompanied Him from the beginning of His earthly life, and more especially during His public career. We shall consider this to-day more closely in connection with
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxi. 19, Where Jesus Dried up the Fig-Tree; and on the Words, Luke xxiv. 28, Where He Made A
1. The lesson of the Holy Gospel which has just been read, has given us an alarming warning, lest we have leaves only, and have no fruit. That is, in few words, lest words be present and deeds be wanting. Very terrible! Who does not fear when in this lesson he sees with the eyes of the heart the withered tree, withered at that word being spoken to it, "Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever"? [2949] Let the fear work amendment, and the amendment bring forth fruit. For without doubt, the
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

A Sermon to Open Neglecters and Nominal Followers of Religion
If the whole of us were thus divided into two camps, and we could say these have made a covenant with God by sacrifice, and those on the other hand are still enemies to God by wicked works, looking at the last class we might still feel it necessary by way of personal application to make a division among them; for although all unbelievers are alike unpardoned and unsaved, yet they are not alike in the circumstances of their case and the outward forms of their sins. Alike in being without Christ, they
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 13: 1867

Another Royal Procession
When our Lord was here on earth, he was a humble man before his foes, a weary man and full of woes, and only now and then did some glimpses of his native royalty burst forth from him; he had now and then a day in which his regal rights were assumed and his royal position was claimed. He is gone from us now as to his actual presence, but he is with us spiritually, and his spiritual presence here is not unlike what his bodily presence was in the days of his flesh. For the most part, the glory of his
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

The Withered Fig Tree
Flippant persons have spoken of the story before us in a very foolish manner. They have represented it as though our Lord, being hungered, thought only of his necessity, and, expecting to be refreshed by a few green figs went up to the tree in error. Finding no fruit upon the tree, it being a season when he had no right to expect that there would be any, he was vexed, and uttered a malediction against a tree, as though it had been a responsible agent. This view of the case results from the folly
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

Hosanna!
Assuredly, this honor paid to our Lord was passing strange; a gleam of sunlight in a day of clouds, a glimpse of summer-tide in a long and dreary winter. He that was, as a rule, "despised and rejected of men", was for the moment surrounded with the acclaim of the crowd. All men saluted him that day with their Hosannas, and the whole city was moved. It was a gala day for the disciples, and a sort of coronation day for their Lord. Why was the scene permitted? What was its meaning? The marvel is, that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Sermon for Palm Sunday
How a man ought in all His works to regard God alone, and purely to make Him his end without anything of his own, and shall freely and simply perform all these works for the glory of God only, and not seek his own, nor desire nor expect any reward. Wherewith he may do such works without any self-appropriation or reference to time and number, before or after, and without modes. How the Divine Word speaks and reveals itself in the soul, all in a lofty and subtile sense. Matt. xxi. 10-17.--"And when
Susannah Winkworth—The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler

"Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. "
Rom. viii. 7.--"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Unbelief is that which condemns the world. It involves in more condemnation than many other sins, not only because more universal, but especially because it shuts up men in their misery, and secludes them from the remedy that is brought to light in the gospel. By unbelief I mean, not only that careless neglect of Jesus Christ offered for salvation, but that which is the
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Prophecy.
PROPHECY. Isaiah iii. 13; liii. "Behold, my servant shall deal prudently; he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
William Paley—Evidences of Christianity

How to Work for God with Success.
Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.--MATT. xxi. 28. Compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.--LUKE xiv. 23. I am to speak of some needful qualifications for successful labor; and I say:-- First, that there are certain laws which govern success in the kingdom of grace as well as in the kingdom of nature, and you must study these laws, and adapt yourself to them. It would be in vain for the husbandman to scatter his seed over the unbroken ground or on pre-occupied soil. You must plough
Catherine Booth—Godliness

Synopsis. --A Clearer Conception of Miracle Approached. --Works of Jesus once Reputed Miraculous not So Reputed Now
IV SYNOPSIS.--A clearer conception of miracle approached.--Works of Jesus once reputed miraculous not so reputed now, since not now transcending, as once, the existing range of knowledge and power.--This transfer of the miraculous to the natural likely to continue.--No hard and fast line between the miraculous and the non-miraculous.--Miracle a provisional word, its application narrowing in the enlarging mastery of the secrets of nature and life. At this point it seems possible to approach a clearer
James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
(from Bethany to Jerusalem and Back, Sunday, April 2, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 1-12, 14-17; ^B Mark XI. 1-11; ^C Luke XIX. 29-44; ^D John XII. 12-19. ^c 29 And ^d 12 On the morrow [after the feast in the house of Simon the leper] ^c it came to pass, when he he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, ^a 1 And when they came nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage unto { ^b at} ^a the mount of Olives [The name, Bethphage, is said to mean house of figs, but the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Barren Fig-Tree. Temple Cleansed.
(Road from Bethany and Jerusalem. Monday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 18, 19, 12, 13; ^B Mark XI. 12-18; ^C Luke XIX. 45-48. ^b 12 And ^a 18 Now ^b on the morrow [on the Monday following the triumphal entry], ^a in the morning ^b when they were come out from Bethany, ^a as he returned to the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [Breakfast with the Jews came late in the forenoon, and these closing days of our Lord's ministry were full of activity that did not have time to tarry at Bethany for it. Our
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Finding the Fig-Tree Withered.
(Road from Bethany to Jerusalem, Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXI. 20-22; ^B Mark XI. 19-25; ^C Luke XXI. 37, 38. ^c 37 And every day he was teaching in the temple [he was there Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, but he seems to have spent Wednesday and Thursday in Bethany]; and every night { ^b evening} he went forth out out of the city. ^c and lodged in the mount that is called Olivet. [As Bethany was on the Mount of Olives, this statement leaves us free to suppose that he spent his nights there,
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision A. Introduction ^A Matt. XXI. 23-27; ^B Mark XI. 27-33; ^C Luke XX. 1-8. ^c 1 And it came to pass, on one of the days, ^b they [Jesus and the disciples] come again to Jerusalem: ^a 23 And when he was come into the temple, ^b and as he was walking in the temple [The large outer court of the temple, known as the court of the Gentiles, was thronged during the feasts, and was no doubt the part selected by Jesus and his apostles when
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision C. Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen. ^A Matt. XXI. 33-46; ^B Mark XII. 1-12; ^C Luke XX. 9-19. ^b 1 And he began to speak unto them ^c the people [not the rulers] ^b in parables. { ^c this parable:} ^a 33 Hear another parable: There was a man that was a householder [this party represents God], who planted a vineyard [this represents the Hebrew nationality], and set a hedge about it, and digged a ^b pit for the ^a winepress in it
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into Jerusalem
At length the time of the end had come. Jesus was about to make Entry into Jerusalem as King: King of the Jews, as Heir of David's royal line, with all of symbolic, typic, and prophetic import attaching to it. Yet not as Israel after the flesh expected its Messiah was the Son of David to make triumphal entrance, but as deeply and significantly expressive of His Mission and Work, and as of old the rapt seer had beheld afar off the outlined picture of the Messiah-King: not in the proud triumph of war-conquests,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Second Day in Passion-Week - the Barren Fig-Tree - the Cleansing of the Temple - the Hosanna of the Children
How the King of Israel spent the night after the triumphal Entry into His City and Temple, we may venture reverently to infer. His royal banquet would be fellowship with the disciples. We know how often His nights had been spent in lonely prayer, [5077] and surely it is not too bold to associate such thoughts with the first night in Passion week. Thus, also, we can most readily account for that exhaustion and faintness of hunger, which next morning made Him seek fruit on the fig-tree on His way to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Events of that Day - the Question of Christ's Authority - the Question of Tribute to Cæsar - The
THE record of this third day is so crowded, the actors introduced on the scene are so many, the occurrences so varied, and the transitions so rapid, that it is even more than usually difficult to arrange all in chronological order. Nor need we wonder at this, when we remember that this was, so to speak, Christ's last working-day - the last, of His public Mission to Israel, so far as its active part was concerned; the last day in the Temple; the last, of teaching and warning to Pharisees and Sadducees;
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Links
Matthew 21:1 NIV
Matthew 21:1 NLT
Matthew 21:1 ESV
Matthew 21:1 NASB
Matthew 21:1 KJV

Matthew 21:1 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Matthew 20:34
Top of Page
Top of Page