Matthew 21:1-7

Matthew 21:1-7

And when they drew near into Jerusalem and came into Bethphage into the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples while saying to them, “Go into the village before you.  And you will immediately find a donkey, having been tied and having a colt with her.  After untying, bring it to me.  And if anyone should speak anything to you all, say that their Lord has a need.  And immediately they will send them.”  And this has become in order that the words while being spoken through the prophet should be fulfilled: “Speak to the daughter of Zion.  Behold, your king comes to you submitted and having mounted a donkey.  And upon a colt, the son of a beast of burden.”  And after the disciples went and did just as Jesus ordered them, they led the donkey and the colt and placed cloaks upon them.  And He sat upon them.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Jesus singles out two of His disciples to go and accomplish a task.  He doesn’t send all twelve.  He doesn’t necessarily pick out His favorites.  He doesn’t feel the need to treat them all the same.  Instead, Jesus simply picks two disciples and sends them out on a task.  In fact, we don’t even know which two according to the story given to us in Matthew.  What is important is the accomplishment of God’s plan, not who was selected to accomplish the task.

Do you ever jockey for attention from the people that are important to you?  Why?  Do you think it is neat that we aren’t even told who Jesus picked?  What does this teach us about action and the quest for glory?

Second Thought:

The disciples are obedient.  Jesus gives them instructions, and they follow them.  They go and do as they are told.  They don’t do their own thing.  They don’t add to Jesus’ plan.  They go and do as they are told so that God’s will can be done.

Do you ever try and add to God’s plan and improve upon God’s plan?  Why can that be harmful to faith?  Why is it important to see the disciples doing just as they are told in this passage?

Third Thought:

I think it is very important to not lose the message of the prophet in this passage, especially when we turn to the verses that follow tomorrow.  The prophet voice speaks about the king who comes to Jerusalem.  But you will notice that the king doesn’t come impressed with himself and showing off his glory – as most kings of the Gentiles would do.  Rather, the prophet tells us that the king comes submitted.  The Greek word here is one of my favorites: praus (πραΰς).  The king comes riding a beast of burden, not some great and impressive steed of conquest.  The focus of the prophetic voice is submission.  It is about giving an attitude that something else is more important than the person.  Of course, that something else is God.  The true king of Jerusalem comes in a humble and submitted approach in order to demonstrate his submission to the Father.  Whereas most kings and rulers of the world are impressed with themselves and seek to have others impressed with them also, the true king of Jerusalem will come submitted to God and in a humble stance.

Why is it important to understand that Jesus comes humble and submitted?  Why do you think this will be important, especially as we look forward to the passage tomorrow?

Passage for Tomorrow: Matthew 21:8-11