Read Matthew 21
Highlights:
Prophecy fulfilled of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Matt. 21:1-11); defiled Temple, cleansing, His miracles (21:12-15); fig tree cursed (21:18-22). Authority of Jesus (21:23-27). A heavenly parable: The King's invitation is rejected; His parables; expected fruit; marriage feast; importance of knowing Scripture; the great Commandment (22:37-40).
The wise men did not find the newborn King Jesus in a palace or in royal attire; neither did He appear in a stately display of horse-drawn chariots on His royal entry into Jerusalem. Nothing could be plainer or less pretentious than this memorable event that fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy (Matt. 21:1-11; Zech. 9:9)!
Even the lowly animal chosen for Jesus' royal entry was as unassuming as the garments the disciples draped upon it. How unlike the way we might expect most kings to appear! What were the garments of the disciples and the branches of the multitude compared to the purple hangings and gorgeous array with which other sovereigns parade their power and display their pride?
But Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world, and His birth and His triumphant entry indicate the way in which our Lord goes through the world today — in love and humility. It has pleased God to display His glory without fanfare and showmanship.
When they drew nigh unto Jerusalem . . . then sent Jesus two disciples, 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 (21:1-2). And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest (21:9).
Jesus knew exactly where the ass and colt were to be found, just as He knows all about every need you have and every one of your abilities. When we trust Him as our Savior, Christ the King comes to rule in our lives. He is Head over all things to the Church (believers) (Eph. 1:22) of which He is the Head (5:23). Jesus went into the Temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the Temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My House shall be called the House of Prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (Matt. 21:12-13).
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zech. 9:9).
Thought for Today:
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing (Rev. 5:12).
Cross References:
For Matt. 21:5: See Is. 62:11; Zech. 9:9. Matt. 21:9: See Ps. 118:26. Matt. 21:13: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11. Matt. 21:16: See Ps. 8:2. Matt. 21:33: See Ps. 80:8-9; Is. 5:1-2. Matt. 21:42: See Ps. 118:22-23. Matt. 22:24: See Deut. 25:5. Matt. 22:32: See Ex. 3:6. Matt. 22:37: See Deut. 6:5. Matt. 22:39: See Lev. 19:18. Matt. 22:44: See Ps. 110:1.
Word Studies:
21:2 over against you shead of you; facing you; 21:8 strawed . . . in the way spread in His path; 21:33 husbandmen tenant farmers; 21:42 The Stone . . . is become the Head of the corner Christ (Ps.118:22-23) who is the Chief Corner Stone (Eph. 2:20; I Pet. 2:6).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Gov. Paul LePage (ME) • Country: Benin (6 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Some hostility toward Christians • 59% animism and voodoo; 17% Muslim; 16% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Do not be fearful or live in dread of what might happen; trust the Lord to take care of you (Ps. 112:7).
Memory Verse for the Week:
