What does Matthew 21:1 mean?
"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples," - Matthew 21:1
Matthew 21:1 - "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,"
A representation of the biblical scene from Matthew 21:1, where two disciples are near Jerusalem, close to Bethphage, and the mount of Olives. The atmosphere is calm and spiritually charged. Use colors, shading, and textures to imbue this scene with the characteristic qualities of digital art: sharpness, vibrancy, and high level of detail. The two disciples are depicted as Middle Eastern men of differing ages, one older and one younger, each displaying devotion and reverence.
Matthew 21:1 (KJV) reads, "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples." This verse captures the beginning of a pivotal event in the life of Jesus Christ as he approaches his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a moment that would ultimately lead to his crucifixion and resurrection. The significance of this verse lies in its foreshadowing of the redemption and salvation that Jesus would bring to the world through his sacrifice.
The context of this verse is important to understanding its significance. Matthew 21 marks the beginning of Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem, where he would ultimately fulfill his purpose as the Messiah. Jesus and his disciples were traveling to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, a time when Jews from all over would gather in the city to commemorate their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. It was during this time that Jesus chose to reveal himself as the long-awaited Messiah and to fulfill the prophecies that had been foretold about him.
As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they stopped at the village of Bethphage, near the Mount of Olives. It is here that Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead to retrieve a donkey and its colt, which were to be used for his triumphant entry into the city. This humble mode of transportation was in line with the prophecies of the Old Testament, specifically Zechariah 9:9 which states, "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." This act of riding into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolized Jesus' role as the peaceful and humble Messiah, in contrast to the expected conqueror on a war horse.
The themes present in this verse are abundant, and they reflect the various layers of meaning within this pivotal moment in Jesus' life. One of the primary themes is that of fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey was a direct fulfillment of numerous Old Testament prophecies about the coming Messiah. This serves as evidence to the Jewish people, as well as to followers of Christ, that Jesus is indeed the long-awaited Savior.
Another theme present in this verse is that of humility and servanthood. By choosing to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, Jesus demonstrated his humility and servanthood, traits that were central to his ministry. This act was a stark contrast to the worldly expectations of a conquering king, and it served as a powerful example of the type of leadership that Jesus embodied.
The symbolism in this verse is also rich and deeply significant. The use of the donkey as a means of transportation holds symbolic weight, as it represents peace, humility, and servanthood. By choosing to ride a donkey, Jesus demonstrated to the world the type of kingdom that he came to establish – one marked by peace, humility, and compassion.
In conclusion, Matthew 21:1 marks a significant moment in the life of Jesus Christ, as he approaches Jerusalem to fulfill his purpose as the Messiah. This verse serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the redemption and salvation that Jesus would bring through his sacrificial death and resurrection. The themes of fulfillment of prophecy, humility, and servanthood, as well as the rich symbolism of the donkey, all contribute to the depth and significance of this verse in the larger narrative of Jesus' life and mission.
Matthew 21:1 Artwork
Matthew 21:1 - "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,"
Matthew 21:1-11 - "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”"
Matthew 9:21
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 9:21-22
Matthew 12:21 - "And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."
Matthew 21:6 - "And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,"
Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 17:21 - "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 21:11 - "And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."
Matthew 21:18 - "Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered."
Matthew 15:21 - "¶ Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon."
Matthew 1:21 - "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
Matthew 21:29 - "He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went."
Matthew 21:39 - "And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him."
Matthew 21:4 - "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,"
Matthew 21:14 - "And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them."
Matthew 23:21 - "And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein."
Matthew 21:7 - "And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon."
Matthew 21:17 - "¶ And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there."
Matthew 21:10 - "And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?"
Matthew 2:21 - "And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel."
Matthew 24:21 - "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Matthew 21:35 - "And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another."
Matthew 14:21 - "And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children."
Genesis 1:21
Matthew 21:46 - "But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet."