# Overview Matthew Chapter 21 begins with the triumphant entry of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] into #Jerusalem, an event that fulfills the #prophecy of #Zechariah, highlighting Jesus as the humble king riding on a donkey. As Jesus enters the city, the crowds respond with shouts of "Hosanna to the Son of David," acknowledging him as the #Messiah and echoing the messianic hope rooted in the #Davidic line. This entry sets the stage for the unfolding of the Passion Week, where the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities reaches a climax. The chapter underscores the theme of Jesus' authority, which is evident not only in the people's acclamations but also in his subsequent actions within the city. The chapter continues with Jesus cleansing the #Temple, driving out those who were buying and selling, and overturning the tables of the money changers. This act of purifying the temple further establishes Jesus' authority and his zeal for true worship. Jesus then curses the fig tree, which withers, symbolizing the judgment upon unfruitful #Israel. The religious leaders, questioning Jesus' authority, are met with parables that illustrate their failure to recognize God's true work and the coming judgment upon them. The parable of the two sons and the parable of the tenants both serve as warnings to the religious elite, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness. Through these narratives, Matthew 21 presents a profound exploration of Jesus' messianic identity, authority, and the impending transformation of God's covenant people. ## Theological Insights Matthew 21 presents a series of events and teachings that emphasize the identity and authority of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the #Messiah and #King. The chapter opens with the #TriumphalEntry into #Jerusalem, where Jesus fulfills the prophecy of [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 9|Zechariah 9:9]], entering the city on a donkey to the acclamations of the crowds who shout "Hosanna to the Son of David" (Matthew 21:9). This event signifies Jesus’ acceptance of his messianic role and the people's expectation of the #DavidicKingdom. The cleansing of the #Temple (Matthew 21:12-13) highlights Jesus’ authority over religious practices and his concern for genuine worship. By driving out the money changers, Jesus fulfills the prophetic call for purity in worship as seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 56|Isaiah 56:7]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 7|Jeremiah 7:11]]. This act serves as a critique of the religious leaders and their practices, reinforcing the theme of spiritual renewal. The parable of the #TwoSons (Matthew 21:28-32) illustrates the importance of obedience to God’s will, contrasting the responses of the religious leaders with those of the repentant sinners. This parable aligns with Jesus’ teaching on the necessity of genuine repentance and faith, as emphasized throughout the #Gospels. The parable of the #WickedTenants (Matthew 21:33-46) serves as a prophetic allegory of Israel’s history, highlighting the rejection of the prophets and the Son, which foreshadows Jesus’ impending crucifixion. This parable underscores the theme of accountability and the transfer of the kingdom to a people who will produce its fruit, pointing to the inclusion of the Gentiles. Throughout Matthew 21, the authority of Jesus is a central theme, as he challenges the religious leaders’ understanding and calls for a deeper commitment to God’s kingdom. His actions and teachings demonstrate that the coming of the kingdom of heaven involves a radical reorientation of priorities, centered on faithfulness, repentance, and authentic worship. ## Thematic Connections ### Jesus as the Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecy Matthew 21 highlights [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]' entry into #Jerusalem as the fulfillment of #OldTestament prophecy, specifically referencing [[Zechariah/Zechariah 9|Zechariah 9:9]]. The deliberate choice of riding on a donkey fulfills the prophetic vision of the coming king of #Zion, emphasizing Jesus' messianic identity and the nature of his kingdom—one of humility and peace rather than earthly power. This theme of fulfillment is a recurring motif in Matthew, underscoring Jesus as the anticipated Messiah. ### Authority and Judgment Throughout Matthew 21, Jesus' authority is a central theme, challenging the established religious leaders. From his cleansing of the #Temple, reminiscent of prophetic actions like those of [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah 7|Jeremiah 7]], to his parables against the religious elite, Jesus asserts divine authority over the Temple and its practices. This confrontation recalls earlier biblical themes of #God's judgment against unfaithfulness, as seen in [[Isaiah/Isaiah 5|Isaiah 5]]'s vineyard parable, which Jesus echoes in his parable of the tenants. ### Faith and Fruitfulness The cursing of the fig tree symbolizes the importance of genuine faith and spiritual fruitfulness, a theme Jesus consistently teaches. This can be connected to the expectations of #Israel as God's chosen people, as seen in [[Hosea/Hosea 9|Hosea 9:10]] where Israel is likened to a fig tree. This thematic link underscores the call for authentic faith that bears fruit, aligning with Jesus' teachings in [[John/John 15|John 15]] about abiding in him to bear much fruit. ### The Rejection of the Messiah The parable of the wicked tenants in Matthew 21:33-46 illustrates the rejection of Jesus, paralleling the rejection of prophets throughout #Israel's history. This theme is echoed in [[Psalms/Psalms 118|Psalm 118:22]], which Jesus quotes, referring to the stone the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone. This rejection and subsequent exaltation of Jesus is a key theme in the #NewTestament, as seen in [[Acts/Acts 4|Acts 4:11]] and [[1 Peter/1 Peter 2|1 Peter 2:7]]. ### The Inclusivity of the Kingdom of God The entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem and his actions in the Temple, driving out the money changers, highlight the inclusive nature of God's kingdom. Jesus' cleansing of the Temple is a call back to [[Isaiah/Isaiah 56|Isaiah 56:7]], emphasizing the Temple as a house of prayer for all nations. This theme is further explored throughout the New Testament, such as in [[Galatians/Galatians 3|Galatians 3:28]], where Paul speaks of the unity and inclusivity found in Christ. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Triumphal Entry Matthew 21 captures the fulfillment of the prophecy from [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 9|Zechariah 9:9]], where it is foretold that the #Messiah would enter #Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey is a direct fulfillment of this prophecy, signifying Him as the humble King who comes in peace. This event underscores Jesus’ identity as the prophesied King of Israel and emphasizes His mission of gentleness and humility. ### Cleansing of the Temple In Matthew 21, Jesus’ cleansing of the #Temple fulfills the prophetic vision of [[Malachi/Malachi Chapter 3|Malachi 3:1-3]], where it is foretold that the Lord will suddenly come to His temple to purify it. By driving out the money changers, Jesus enacts the prophetic expectation of cleansing and purifying the place of worship. This act reinforces His authority as the Messiah and aligns with the expectation of a renewed and purified worship space for God’s people. ### Rejection of the Chief Cornerstone The parable of the vineyard in Matthew 21 and Jesus’ reference to the rejected cornerstone fulfills the prophecy found in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 118|Psalm 118:22-23]], where it is declared that the stone the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Jesus identifies Himself as this cornerstone, emphasizing the fulfillment of this prophetic word despite His rejection by the religious leaders. This fulfillment underscores Jesus’ essential role in God’s redemptive plan as the foundation of the new covenant. ### The Praise of Children In Matthew 21, the praise of children in the temple echoes the prophecy in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 8|Psalm 8:2]], where it is stated that God has ordained praise from the mouths of children and infants. Jesus affirms this prophetic fulfillment as the children cry out in praise to Him, highlighting the purity and truth of their worship. This moment underscores the recognition of Jesus’ messianic identity by the least expected and aligns with the prophetic anticipation of praise directed toward the Messiah. ### The Withered Fig Tree The cursing of the fig tree in Matthew 21 has connections to prophetic imagery found in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 8|Jeremiah 8:13]] and [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 9|Hosea 9:10]], where Israel is likened to a fig tree that should bear fruit but does not. Jesus’ act serves as a symbolic fulfillment of these warnings of judgment against unfruitfulness, illustrating the consequences of Israel’s lack of spiritual fruitfulness and readiness for the Messiah. This act serves as a prophetic sign of judgment and the necessity of genuine faith and repentance. ## Verses - **Matthew 21:1** - "As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead." - Note: The Mount of Olives is significant in prophecy, see [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 14]]. - **Matthew 21:2** - "'Go into the village over there,' he said. 'As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me.'" - Note: This fulfills the prophecy in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 9]]. - **Matthew 21:3** - "If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them." - **Matthew 21:4** - "This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said," - **Matthew 21:5** - "'Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’" - **Matthew 21:6** - "The two disciples did as Jesus commanded." - **Matthew 21:7** - "They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it." - **Matthew 21:8** - "Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road." - Note: This event is known as the Triumphal Entry, also found in [[Mark/Mark Chapter 11]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 19]], and [[John/John Chapter 12]]. - **Matthew 21:9** - "Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, 'Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Praise God in highest heaven!'" - Note: Reference to Psalm 118:26. - **Matthew 21:10** - "The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. 'Who is this?' they asked." - **Matthew 21:11** - "And the crowds replied, 'It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.'" - **Matthew 21:12** - "Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves." - Note: Another account of Jesus clearing the temple is in [[John/John Chapter 2]]. - **Matthew 21:13** - "He said to them, 'The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!'" - Note: Reference to [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 56]] and [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 7]]. - **Matthew 21:14** - "The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them." - **Matthew 21:15** - "The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, 'Praise God for the Son of David.' But the leaders were indignant." - **Matthew 21:16** - "They asked Jesus, 'Do you hear what these children are saying?' 'Yes,' Jesus replied. 'Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’'" - Note: Reference to [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 8]]. - **Matthew 21:17** - "Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight." - **Matthew 21:18** - "In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry," - **Matthew 21:19** - "and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, 'May you never bear fruit again!' And immediately the fig tree withered up." - Note: The fig tree symbolizes Israel in some prophecies, see [[Hosea/Hosea Chapter 9]]. - **Matthew 21:20** - "The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, 'How did the fig tree wither so quickly?'" - **Matthew 21:21** - "Then Jesus told them, 'I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.'" - **Matthew 21:22** - "You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it." - **Matthew 21:23** - "When Jesus returned to the Temple and began teaching, the leading priests and elders came up to him. They demanded, 'By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right?'" - **Matthew 21:24** - "'I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things if you answer one question,' Jesus replied." - **Matthew 21:25** - "'Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven, or was it merely human?' They talked it over among themselves. 'If we say it was from heaven, he will ask us why we didn’t believe John.'" - **Matthew 21:26** - "But if we say it was merely human, we’ll be mobbed because the people believe John was a prophet." - **Matthew 21:27** - "So they finally replied, 'We don’t know.' And Jesus responded, 'Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.'" - **Matthew 21:28** - "'But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’" - **Matthew 21:29** - "The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway." - **Matthew 21:30** - "Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go." - **Matthew 21:31** - "'Which of the two obeyed his father?' They replied, 'The first.' Then Jesus explained his meaning: 'I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.'" - **Matthew 21:32** - "For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins." - **Matthew 21:33** - "'Now listen to another story. A certain landowner planted a vineyard, built a wall around it, dug a pit for pressing out the grape juice, and built a lookout tower. Then he leased the vineyard to tenant farmers and moved to another country.'" - **Matthew 21:34** - "'At the time of the grape harvest, he sent his servants to collect his share of the crop.'" - **Matthew 21:35** - "But the farmers grabbed his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another." - **Matthew 21:36** - "So the landowner sent a larger group of his servants to collect for him, but the results were the same." - **Matthew 21:37** - "'Finally, the owner sent his son, thinking, ‘Surely they will respect my son.’" - **Matthew 21:38** - "'But when the tenant farmers saw his son coming, they said to one another, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Come on, let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’" - **Matthew 21:39** - "So they grabbed him, dragged him out of the vineyard, and murdered him." - **Matthew 21:40** - "'When the owner of the vineyard returns,' Jesus asked, 'what do you think he will do to those farmers?'" - **Matthew 21:41** - "The religious leaders replied, 'He will put the wicked men to a horrible death and lease the vineyard to others who will give him his share of the crop after each harvest.'" - **Matthew 21:42** - "Then Jesus asked them, 'Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’'" - Note: Reference to [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 118]]. - **Matthew 21:43** - "I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation that will produce the proper fruit." - **Matthew 21:44** - "Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on." - **Matthew 21:45** - "When the leading priests and Pharisees heard this parable, they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers." - **Matthew 21:46** - "They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who considered Jesus to be a prophet."