Matthew 21: The King Comes to His Temple
And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, 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.
And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
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.
And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
And 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.
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
Matthew 21 documents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry as He approaches Jerusalem, marking a significant shift toward His ultimate sacrifice. This chapter is rich with symbolism, prophetic fulfillment, and challenging confrontations, revealing truths about faith, leadership, and the Kingdom of God. Let's explore the key events and their profound meanings.
The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11)
As Jesus neared Jerusalem, arriving at Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciples ahead to find a donkey and its colt. He instructed them to bring the animals to Him, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the coming King riding on a donkey. This wasn't merely a practical arrangement; it was a deliberate act, a visual declaration of Jesus as the Messiah.
Victorious conquerors typically entered cities on warhorses, symbols of power and military might. Jesus, however, chose a donkey, a common work animal unsuitable for battle. This humble mode of transportation underscored His role as a sacrificial Savior, contrasting sharply with the expectations of a conquering king. It was a powerful statement about the nature of His kingdom, one built on peace and humility, not earthly dominion.
The crowds responded with exuberant praise, spreading their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). By calling Jesus the Son of David, they were acknowledging Him as the Messiah, the promised King. This fervent display stirred up the entire city, with people asking, "Who is this?" The response: "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee" (Matthew 21:11).
Cleansing the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13)
Upon entering the temple, Jesus took decisive action, driving out those who were buying and selling and overturning the tables of the money changers. This was not a mere outburst of anger but a righteous act of purification. He declared, "My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13, quoting Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11).
The issue wasn't business or money itself, but the blatant commercialization of worship. The temple, meant to be a place of prayer and communion with God, had become a marketplace driven by greed and exploitation. Jesus' actions were a direct challenge to the corrupt practices that had defiled the sanctity of God's house. It was a pronouncement of judgment on those who misused the temple and disrupted their program.
Religious materialism can subtly creep into our lives today, often disguised as "prosperity theology." It's a reminder that true worship is not about financial gain or self-serving blessings, but about genuine devotion and reverence for God.
Healing and Praise (Matthew 21:14-17)
Following the cleansing, Jesus continued His ministry in the temple, healing the blind and the lame. This demonstration of compassion and power further solidified His identity as the Messiah. Even the children, witnessing these miracles, joined in the praise, shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:15).
However, the chief priests and scribes were indignant, questioning Jesus' acceptance of such praise. Jesus defended the children, citing Psalm 8:2, "From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise" (Matthew 21:16). This highlights the contrast between the open hearts of the children and the hardened hearts of the religious leaders, who were blinded by their pride and self-righteousness.
The Barren Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-22)
Leaving Jerusalem and returning the next morning, Jesus encountered a fig tree covered in leaves but bearing no fruit. Despite it not being the typical season for ripe figs, a healthy tree should have had edible buds. Disappointed, Jesus cursed the tree, and it withered instantly.
This incident is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Israel. While the nation outwardly displayed religious practices (the leaves), it lacked genuine fruit, true obedience, and faith. The withered fig tree served as a stark warning of the consequences of outward appearances without inward transformation.
The disciples were amazed by the tree's rapid withering. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them about the power of faith and prayer. He assured them that with faith, they could move mountains (Matthew 21:21). This promise is not a guarantee of instant wish fulfillment but an encouragement to trust in God's power and to pray in accordance with His will. God desires followers of great faith, in contrast to the faithless Jewish leaders.
Challenging Authority (Matthew 21:23-27)
Back in the temple, the chief priests and elders confronted Jesus, demanding to know by what authority He was doing these things. Jesus, in turn, posed a question to them: "Did John's baptism come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" (Matthew 21:25).
This put them in a dilemma. If they acknowledged John's divine authority, they would be forced to explain why they didn't believe him. If they denied it, they risked the wrath of the people who revered John as a prophet. Caught in this trap, they feigned ignorance, replying, "We don't know" (Matthew 21:27).
Jesus, recognizing their insincerity and lack of interest in the truth, refused to answer their question. Their concern was more with appearance than with truth.
Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 21:28-46)
Instead of directly answering their challenge, Jesus presented two parables that exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual bankruptcy of the religious leaders.
- The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32): A father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later repents and obeys. The second son agrees to go but never does. Jesus asks which son did the father's will. The religious leaders correctly answer that the first son did, unknowingly condemning themselves. Tax collectors and prostitutes, initially rebellious, repented and believed John, while the leaders, claiming to follow God, remained unchanged. Lips that say "Amen" mean nothing without hands and feet backing them up.
- The Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41): A landowner leases his vineyard to tenants who refuse to pay their rent. They mistreat and kill the servants sent to collect the harvest. Finally, the landowner sends his own son, hoping they will respect him, but the tenants kill him as well. Jesus asks what the landowner will do to these tenants. The leaders respond that he will utterly destroy them. Again, they condemn themselves. They were the wicked tenant farmers.
These parables clearly illustrate how the Jewish leaders, entrusted with the care of God's vineyard (Israel), had failed to produce the fruit of righteousness. They rejected God's messengers and ultimately rejected His Son.
Jesus then quoted Psalm 118:22-23, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Matthew 21:42), applying it to Himself. He was the rejected stone, the Messiah whom the leaders despised, who would become the foundation of God's kingdom.
As a result of their rejection, Jesus declared that the kingdom of God would be taken from them and given to a people producing its fruit (Matthew 21:43). Realizing that Jesus was speaking about them, the religious leaders wanted to seize him, but they feared the people who regarded Jesus as a prophet (Matthew 21:45-46).
Matthew 21 is a powerful chapter that reveals Jesus as the Messiah, the King who came humbly, yet with authority. It exposes the hypocrisy of religious leaders, highlights the importance of genuine faith and obedience, and foreshadows the transfer of God's kingdom to those who will bear its fruit. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our outward actions align with our inward devotion to God.
And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, 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.
And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon.
And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.
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.
And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
And 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.
And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.
And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:
And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it.
And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise.
But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
Matthew 21 documents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry as He approaches Jerusalem, marking a significant shift toward His ultimate sacrifice. This chapter is rich with symbolism, prophetic fulfillment, and challenging confrontations, revealing truths about faith, leadership, and the Kingdom of God. Let's explore the key events and their profound meanings.
The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11)
As Jesus neared Jerusalem, arriving at Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciples ahead to find a donkey and its colt. He instructed them to bring the animals to Him, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which foretold the coming King riding on a donkey. This wasn't merely a practical arrangement; it was a deliberate act, a visual declaration of Jesus as the Messiah.
Victorious conquerors typically entered cities on warhorses, symbols of power and military might. Jesus, however, chose a donkey, a common work animal unsuitable for battle. This humble mode of transportation underscored His role as a sacrificial Savior, contrasting sharply with the expectations of a conquering king. It was a powerful statement about the nature of His kingdom, one built on peace and humility, not earthly dominion.
The crowds responded with exuberant praise, spreading their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David!" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9). By calling Jesus the Son of David, they were acknowledging Him as the Messiah, the promised King. This fervent display stirred up the entire city, with people asking, "Who is this?" The response: "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth in Galilee" (Matthew 21:11).
Cleansing the Temple (Matthew 21:12-13)
Upon entering the temple, Jesus took decisive action, driving out those who were buying and selling and overturning the tables of the money changers. This was not a mere outburst of anger but a righteous act of purification. He declared, "My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers'" (Matthew 21:13, quoting Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11).
The issue wasn't business or money itself, but the blatant commercialization of worship. The temple, meant to be a place of prayer and communion with God, had become a marketplace driven by greed and exploitation. Jesus' actions were a direct challenge to the corrupt practices that had defiled the sanctity of God's house. It was a pronouncement of judgment on those who misused the temple and disrupted their program.
Religious materialism can subtly creep into our lives today, often disguised as "prosperity theology." It's a reminder that true worship is not about financial gain or self-serving blessings, but about genuine devotion and reverence for God.
Healing and Praise (Matthew 21:14-17)
Following the cleansing, Jesus continued His ministry in the temple, healing the blind and the lame. This demonstration of compassion and power further solidified His identity as the Messiah. Even the children, witnessing these miracles, joined in the praise, shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" (Matthew 21:15).
However, the chief priests and scribes were indignant, questioning Jesus' acceptance of such praise. Jesus defended the children, citing Psalm 8:2, "From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise" (Matthew 21:16). This highlights the contrast between the open hearts of the children and the hardened hearts of the religious leaders, who were blinded by their pride and self-righteousness.
The Barren Fig Tree (Matthew 21:18-22)
Leaving Jerusalem and returning the next morning, Jesus encountered a fig tree covered in leaves but bearing no fruit. Despite it not being the typical season for ripe figs, a healthy tree should have had edible buds. Disappointed, Jesus cursed the tree, and it withered instantly.
This incident is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of Israel. While the nation outwardly displayed religious practices (the leaves), it lacked genuine fruit, true obedience, and faith. The withered fig tree served as a stark warning of the consequences of outward appearances without inward transformation.
The disciples were amazed by the tree's rapid withering. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them about the power of faith and prayer. He assured them that with faith, they could move mountains (Matthew 21:21). This promise is not a guarantee of instant wish fulfillment but an encouragement to trust in God's power and to pray in accordance with His will. God desires followers of great faith, in contrast to the faithless Jewish leaders.
Challenging Authority (Matthew 21:23-27)
Back in the temple, the chief priests and elders confronted Jesus, demanding to know by what authority He was doing these things. Jesus, in turn, posed a question to them: "Did John's baptism come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" (Matthew 21:25).
This put them in a dilemma. If they acknowledged John's divine authority, they would be forced to explain why they didn't believe him. If they denied it, they risked the wrath of the people who revered John as a prophet. Caught in this trap, they feigned ignorance, replying, "We don't know" (Matthew 21:27).
Jesus, recognizing their insincerity and lack of interest in the truth, refused to answer their question. Their concern was more with appearance than with truth.
Parables of the Kingdom (Matthew 21:28-46)
Instead of directly answering their challenge, Jesus presented two parables that exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual bankruptcy of the religious leaders.
- The Two Sons (Matthew 21:28-32): A father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially refuses but later repents and obeys. The second son agrees to go but never does. Jesus asks which son did the father's will. The religious leaders correctly answer that the first son did, unknowingly condemning themselves. Tax collectors and prostitutes, initially rebellious, repented and believed John, while the leaders, claiming to follow God, remained unchanged. Lips that say "Amen" mean nothing without hands and feet backing them up.
- The Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:33-41): A landowner leases his vineyard to tenants who refuse to pay their rent. They mistreat and kill the servants sent to collect the harvest. Finally, the landowner sends his own son, hoping they will respect him, but the tenants kill him as well. Jesus asks what the landowner will do to these tenants. The leaders respond that he will utterly destroy them. Again, they condemn themselves. They were the wicked tenant farmers.
These parables clearly illustrate how the Jewish leaders, entrusted with the care of God's vineyard (Israel), had failed to produce the fruit of righteousness. They rejected God's messengers and ultimately rejected His Son.
Jesus then quoted Psalm 118:22-23, "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (Matthew 21:42), applying it to Himself. He was the rejected stone, the Messiah whom the leaders despised, who would become the foundation of God's kingdom.
As a result of their rejection, Jesus declared that the kingdom of God would be taken from them and given to a people producing its fruit (Matthew 21:43). Realizing that Jesus was speaking about them, the religious leaders wanted to seize him, but they feared the people who regarded Jesus as a prophet (Matthew 21:45-46).
Matthew 21 is a powerful chapter that reveals Jesus as the Messiah, the King who came humbly, yet with authority. It exposes the hypocrisy of religious leaders, highlights the importance of genuine faith and obedience, and foreshadows the transfer of God's kingdom to those who will bear its fruit. It challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our outward actions align with our inward devotion to God.