Matthew 21: Jesus Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem

Read Matthew chapter 21

Introduction: Matthew 21 is a sheds light on the fulfillment of divine promise and prophecy, revealing Jesus’ messianic identity and authority. This chapter presents a chain of events that begins with the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and moves in His prophetic actions and teachings. The chapter sets the stage for the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, leading to His passion for humanity on the old rugged cross. By examining each verse in detail, we will uncover layers of meaning and the promises of God that the lie of Jesus embodies.

I. The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1-11)
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of a king coming to Zion in humility, riding on a donkey. The crowds honor Him as the son of David, a messianic title, shouting “Hosanna,” a call for salvation that becomes a term of praise (Psalm 118:25-26). The entire city is stirred, questioning His identity, to which the crowd responds that this is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.

II. The Cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17)
Jesus enters the temple and drives out the money changers and merchants, quoting Isaiah 56:7, which speaks of God’s house as a house of prayer, contrasted with their transformation of it into a “den of thieves” (Jeremiah 7:11). Children in the temple praise Jesus, echoing the earlier crowds, while the chief priests and scribes react with indignation. Jesus heals the blind and the lame, displaying His compassion and divine authority.

III. The Fig Tree Curses (Matthew 21:18-22)
The withering of the fig tree serves as an acted out in real time parable. The fig tree often symbolized Israel, and its lack of fruit represents spiritual barrenness (Jeremiah 8:13). Jesus’ curse on the tree illustrates the impending judgment on Israel for its unfruitfulness. When the disciples marvel at how quickly he tree withered, Jesus speaks of the power of faith and the effectiveness of prayer (Mark 11:22-24).

IV. The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Matthew 21:23-27)
Upon returning to the temple, Jesus is challenged by the chief priests and elders regarding His authority. He counters their question with one concerning John the Baptist’s authority (John’s baptism). They are trapped by their own unwillingness to acknowledge John’s God led commission, thus undermining their right to question Jesus.

V. The Parables of the Two Sons and the Wicked Tenants (Matthew 21:28-46)
Jesus then relates two parables that speak to the religious leaders’ disobedience and the transfer of God’s kingdom to the people, so it would produce fruti. The parable of the two sons highlights the contrast between those who profess obedience but do not follow through, and those who are initially rebellious but repent (Ezekiel 18:21-22). The parable of the wicked tenants warns of the judgment coming upon those who reject and mistreat God’s messengers, culminating in the murder of His son (Psalm 118:22-23).

Conclusion: The events and teachings of Matthew 21 present Jesus as the promised Messiah, who asserts His authority in word and deed. His entry into Jerusalem, cleansing of the temple, cursing of the fig tree, and parables all communicate the fulfillment of God’s promises and the coming judgment on those who reject His Son. The chapter challenges readers to recognize Jesus’ authority, repent, and bear fruit worthy of the kingdom of God. It is an invitation to acknowledge Jesus as the cornerstone of our lives, so we as believers can align with God’s redemptive plan revealed in Scripture.

Cross Reference Verses for This Outline of Matthew 21:

1. Zechariah 9:9 – Reflects the fulfillment of the prophecy in Matthew 21:1-5 regarding Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
2. Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 – Correspond to Jesus’ condemnation of the temple practices in Matthew 21:12-13.
3. Psalm 118:22-23 – Relates to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 21:42, where He references Himself as the rejected stone that becomes the cornerstone.
4. Ezekiel 18:21-22 – Echoes the message of repentance and obedience in the parable of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-32.
5. Jeremiah 8:13 – Parallels the cursing of the fig tree in Matthew 21:18-19 as a symbol of judgment on Israel’s unfaithfulness.
6. Psalm 118:25-26 – Connects to the crowds’ acclamation of Jesus as the messianic king in Matthew 21:9.