The context of this passage is significant. Jesus is approaching Jerusalem, which was the heart of religious and political power in Israel. His entry into the city at this particular time holds great Messianic significance. The people of Jerusalem were celebrating the Passover, a significant Jewish festival that commemorated their liberation from Egypt. They were anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, who would liberate them once again, but their expectations were largely political.
- Key Points:
The Choice of a Donkey: Jesus instructs two of His disciples to fetch a donkey and a colt in preparation for His entry into Jerusalem. This choice of transportation is symbolic and echoes the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the Messiah's humble arrival on a donkey.
The Obedience of the Disciples: The disciples obey Jesus' instructions without questioning them. This obedience highlights their trust and submission to Jesus' authority.
The Declaration of Ownership: If anyone questions their actions, they are to respond, "The Lord needs them." This declaration emphasizes Jesus' authority and ownership over all things.
- Significance:
Messiah's Humility: Jesus' choice to enter Jerusalem on a donkey, rather than a horse, symbolizes His humility. He is the Messiah, but His kingdom is not of this world, and His mission is one of peace and salvation.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This passage demonstrates that Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. It provides tangible evidence that He is indeed the promised Messiah.
Authority and Ownership: The disciples' declaration that "The Lord needs them" underscores Jesus' authority over all creation. It reminds believers that everything ultimately belongs to God, and we are stewards of His gifts.
- Application:
Humble Service: Jesus' humility in riding a donkey serves as a model for believers to approach life with humility and a servant's heart. It encourages us to seek to serve rather than to be served.
Trust and Obedience: The disciples' immediate obedience to Jesus' instructions teaches us about trust and obedience in our relationship with Christ. Even when His commands may seem unconventional, we are called to trust and obey.
Ownership Perspective: Recognizing that "The Lord needs them" reminds believers to have an ownership perspective that acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things. We are to steward His resources wisely.
Cross-References:
Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation, lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This verse in Zechariah is a prophecy of the Messiah's humble entry into Jerusalem.
Philippians 2:5-8: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men." This passage from Philippians emphasizes the humility of Christ as a model for believers.
Matthew 21:1-3 records the events leading up to Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. It highlights His humility, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and His authority over all things. This passage encourages believers to embrace humility, trust and obey Christ's commands, and recognize God's ownership over everything in our lives.
Matthew 21:1-3. Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and immediately he will send them.”