Matthew 21:2 meaning
As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He prepared for a significant moment that would fulfill ancient prophecies, signaling His role as the Messiah. This occasion marks a pivotal point in His ministry, coinciding with the Passover when thousands gathered in the city. By instructing His disciples to fetch a donkey and its colt, He demonstrated humility and obedience to scripture. This act was in accordance with prophetic declarations, specifically from Zechariah, symbolizing the arrival of a peaceful king—one who bears witness to the meekness of Christ's reign.
In Matthew 21:2, we see the directive given for this mission, highlighting Jesus' authority and the trust instilled in His followers. The Lord has need of them emphasizes the divine necessity of His actions. The choice of a humble donkey, rather than a steed, illustrates Jesus' intention to reign in humility, countering the expectations of a conquering king, which resonates with contemporary understandings of leadership in humility, often overshadowed by societal aspirations for power and grandeur.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 21:1-7 meaning. Jesus and the disciples pause as they approach the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem. Jesus sends two disciples to go retrieve a donkey and her unridden colt from the village of Bethphage. Once done the disciples lay their coats on the beasts and Jesus begins to ride the colt into Jerusalem. This fulfills a Messianic prophecy from Zechariah.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 21:20-22 meaning. The disciples wonder about the fig tree withering at Jesus’s curse. Jesus teaches them about faith. He tells the disciples if they have faith without doubting, that they will be able to move mountains.
- Matthew 21:23-27 meaning. The chief priests confront Jesus in the temple and interrogate Him about His authority. They publicly ask Him a framing question hoping to entrap Him. Jesus promises to answer their question if they will answer His alternatively framed question about John the Baptist's authority. When they decline to answer His question, Jesus declines to answer theirs.
- Matthew 21:28-32 meaning. Jesus tells a parable about two disrespectful sons of a vineyard owner. Both are told to go work in the vineyard by their father. The first said he wouldn't go, but later repented and did. The second said he would go, but never went. Jesus then asked the priests and elders which of the two sons actually obeyed. They gave the correct answer. Jesus then explained its meaning to everyone in the temple.