Matthew 21:1-5 1And then they came near to Jerusalem and came into Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey having been tied and a colt with her. After untying them and bring them to me. 3And if anyone says anything to you, you will say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately send them.” 4And this happened in order to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet saying, 5“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ”
The narrative in Matthew takes a significant turn from this point forward with a scene change to Jerusalem and its surroundings. Jerusalem was the capital city of Israel. With the presence of the temple, it was also the religious center of the land. The exact location of Bethphage is unknown, but it was on the outskirts of Jerusalem to the east near the Mount of Olives. In this story, it represents the entry place into Jerusalem.
The next several chapters record several significant and lengthy teachings Jesus gave in Jerusalem. Jesus at first experienced enthusiastic welcome into the city by the crowds. Word had spread of his teaching with authority and power over illness and demons. This next episode traditionally called “The Triumphal Entry” contrasts with the other reception Jesus received from the Jewish leaders in the city. As the first event of Jesus’ visit in Jerusalem, this story powerfully illustrates the confession of faith of the two blind men in Jericho: Lord, Son of David. The crowds will proclaim the same acknowledgement (21:9).
As Jesus and the disciples neared the city, he gave specific instructions to his disciples that demonstrate his omniscience and the divine human Son of God. Matthew mentions two donkeys, a mother and its colt (a literal reading of the Old Testament prophecy), although the other Gospels mention only one. It might seem strange or even seen as stealing for two men to take two animals away. Jesus anticipated this challenge and gave the right words for the disciples to say to the owner or whoever was present. Their statement would be very simple. They could assume that the person watching the donkeys knew who the Lord meant and would not try to stop the disciples. Whoever was there would respond with immediate obedience. Perhaps this person had growing faith in Jesus and would follow him into the city. This was another opportunity for a new disciple.
Matthew jumps in as the narrator and shows how this even was the fulfillment of a prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. In this verse, the daughter of Zion refers to Jerusalem. The prophecy gives three important descriptions of the one who would come into the city. First, he is called your king. Jesus as the Messiah came from the line of David and qualified in earthly terms as the king of Israel. Matthew has demonstrated multiple times through his Gospel that Jesus is the universal King of all creation with all power and authority. Would the people recognized and accept his sovereignty?
Second, he is humble (praus), gentle, and meek. Third, he did not enter Jerusalem on a chariot or war horse but a beast of burden. Donkeys were considered more what a merchant or priest would ride. Someone riding a donkey was viewed as peaceful. Jesus’ kingship was different than the ways of the world. As the prince of peace, he offered to people the peace of a new kingdom. The challenge for the next several chapters is whether or not the people would accept his terms for peace.
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