Jesus’ Grand Entrance - Matthew 21:1-11

Introduction: We have now entered the Passion Week of Christ. The next seven days are extremely important on the Christian calendar.   The three most important days are:

· Palm Sunday (Today)– the day Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem.

· Friday, Good Friday – the day Jesus was crucified.

· Sunday, Resurrection Day – Jesus rose from the dead! This is the cornerstone of Christianity.

The Passion Week of Jesus Christ

   The first aspect of the Passion Week of Christ begins with His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem.

   Dr. John MacArthur writes the following about these verses: Matthew 21:1–11 portrays the most significant coronation the world has yet seen, but it was a coronation in marked contrast to the kind just described. It was a true coronation of a true King. He was affirmed as King and was, in a sense, inaugurated into His kingship. But there was no pomp, no splendor, and a nondescript sort of pageantry.

Traditionally, this coronation has been called Jesus’ triumphal entry. It was his last major public appearance before His crucifixion and was an extremely important event in His divine ministry on earth, an event that is frequently dramatized but seldom studied carefully or understood for its true significance.[1]

   It is insightful to know that this event is recorded in all four Gospels – Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12.

    I would like to encourage you to perhaps consider using these various accounts this week in your devotions (Quiet Time). As you read the various views of the triumphal entry, take notes. Compare what the Gospel writers wrote about this specific event.

   As I read through the first eleven verses of Matthew 21, which deals with the triumphal entry, I couldn't help but notice the following aspects, and they all start with the letter “P.” They are:

1. Presence – v. 1

   1Now when they drew near Jerusalem.

   This is a very important statement because Jesus' face was always set towards Jerusalem. Throughout His ministry here on earth, He knew the time would come when He would go into Jerusalem for the very last time.

   Matthew Henry writes, "He had said to His disciples more than once, 'Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and there the Son of Man must be betrayed.'"[2]

Jesus Understood His Mission

· "From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day." (Matthew 16:21 NKJV)

· "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death." (Matthew 20:18 NKJV)

· "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles." (Mark 10:33 NKJV)

· "Who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem." (Luke 9:31 NKJV)

· "Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." (Luke 9:51 NKJV)

·  "But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem." (Luke 9:53 NKJV)

· "Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, 'Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.'" (Luke 18:31 NKJV)

   According to Matthew 20:9, Jesus and His disciples were coming from Jericho. From Jericho to Jerusalem is quite a climb (3,000 feet), and it is about 19 miles. We read that the road from Jericho to Jerusalem was also a dangerous one – thieves and robbers would often attack travelers on this road (Do you remember the account of the Good Samaritan? That account is found in Luke 10).

   We read about the triumphal entry of Jesus also in Luke 19:41–42, and in that passage, the following words are used:

   Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.'"

The Exact Day of Jesus' Grand Entrance

   The famous Bible teacher, Sir Robert Anderson, has attached great meaning to these three words: "this thy day." According to the prophecy in Daniel 9:24–27 (often called the seventy-week prophecy), God told Daniel He would deal with Israel for yet another seventy "weeks," which is usually interpreted as 490 years. The prophecy continued that after sixty-nine of these "weeks," or 483 years, the Messiah would be "cut off" (rejected or crucified). The prophecy was to start on March 14, 445 B.C. Mr. Anderson suggests that if one begins counting forward from that day, he discovers that the 483 years (173,880 days) runs out on April 6, A.D. 32. It was on this exact day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey and, although welcomed by the masses, was officially rejected by Israel's leaders. According to Sir Robert, all this was in mind when our Lord uttered the words of this statement.”[3]

2. Preparation – vv. 1–3

    1Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. 3 And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”

   In these verses, I see the preparation made by Jesus Christ for His Grand Entrance into Jerusalem.

   We need to remember that this is the beginning of Jesus' Passion Week – Sunday through Friday. Our text tells us that Jesus came near Jerusalem and that He came to Bethphage. Bethphage was a small village located near the Mount of Olives, about one mile from Jerusalem. In 1994, Debbie and I, along with three other couples in this church, had the privilege of standing on the Mount of Olives – it was a tremendous experience.

   It was at the village of Bethphage (which means region or house of green figs) that Jesus sent out two of His disciples to a neighboring village to get a donkey for Him to ride into the city of Jerusalem. I must tell you that I love this text. There are three very clear thoughts that I want to share with you from these verses. They are:

1. Jesus is omniscient (He knew about the donkey beforehand, and even that the owner would permit them to take the donkey).

2. Jesus sent two disciples (companionship is essential). This also speaks of Jesus’ authority.

3. Jesus had a need (how often do we think of the needs of Jesus?).

   Jesus and His disciples are at Bethphage, and He says to two of His disciples that they were to go to a village opposite them (perhaps Bethany – located two miles east of Jerusalem). He tells them that there they will find a donkey tied and a colt with her. They were told to lose them and bring them to Him. Now, how did He know this? Had He and His disciples passed by this place before? Of course, Bethany was the village where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were from. Is it possible that Jesus made arrangements earlier with the owner of these animals? The Bible is silent on this. However, our text tells us that if anyone questioned the two disciples, all they were to say was, "The Lord has need of them." They were assured that if they said that, the owner of these beasts of burden would immediately allow them to take them.

Ten Examples of Jesus' Power

   In my heart, I believe that these verses are no different than other miraculous events that took place when Jesus was present:

· Healing of a leper - Matt. 8:1-4

· Healing the Centurion's servant - Matt. 8:5-13

· Healing Peter's mother-in-law- Matt. 8:14-15

· Calming the wind and waves - Matt. 8:23-27

· Casting out demons - Matt. 8:28-34

· Healing the paralytic - Matt. 9:1-8

· Raising the young girl to life - Matt. 9:18-24

· Healing the woman with the issue of blood - Matt. 9:18-24

· Giving sight to the blind - Matt. 9:27-31

· Healing the mute man - Matt. 9:32-34

   Wouldn't you agree with me that Jesus would have the ability to know all things? Without a doubt! He sent his disciples into this village, and he knew that there would be these two animals because He knew everything!

   I also believe that there is a principle of companionship that runs throughout the Bible, and when Jesus sent out his disciples, he always sent them two by two. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we read the following words,

"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."(Eccles. 4:9-12 NKJV)

   Do you have a friend? (Stop and pause)

   We also notice in our text that Jesus had a need. Our text reads,

   "The Lord has need of them,"

   What a statement! Again, I believe we need to understand that when Jesus Christ became a man, He also took upon Himself the frailties of humanity, and that includes needs. This is why the Bible tells us:

· He was weary. - John 4:6

· He was hungry - Matthew 4:2; 21:18

· He was thirsty - John 19:28

· He slept - Matthew 8:24 (Psa. 121:4)

· He was tempted - Hebrews 2:18; 4:15 (James 1:13)

   The bottom line of all that we have looked at is that Jesus prepared for His Grand Entrance into Jerusalem.

3. Prophecy – vv. 4–5

   4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: 5“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

   The entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem was a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Two Old Testament passages that speak of this event that we are reading about today. The first is found in Isaiah 62:11, which reads,

   11Indeed the Lord has proclaimed To the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him.’ ”

   The word "Zion" is an Old Testament name used for the city of Jerusalem. An interesting fact to know is that the prophet Isaiah prophesized some 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Scholars believe that Isaiah 62:11 ties in with the Grand Entrance of Jesus into the city of Zion (Jerusalem).

   There is a second Old Testament passage that speaks of the Grand Entrance of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem. We read Zechariah 9:9 the following,

   9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.

   Zechariah prophesized some 500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ! I believe that it is very important for us to know that the prophecy spoken in the Old Testament came to pass (it was fulfilled) in the New Testament. When the prophets spoke – they spoke the truth!

   I like what Adam Clarke has written about these verses. He wrote,

   "This entry into Jerusalem has been termed the triumph of Christ. It was indeed the triumph of humility over pride and worldly grandeur; of poverty over affluence; and of meekness and gentleness over rage and malice.

   He is coming now meek, full of kindness and compassion to those who were plotting his destruction! He comes to deliver up himself into their hands; their king comes to be murdered by his subjects, and to make his death a ransom price for their souls!"[4]

   One of the most important facts about the Grand Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem is the purpose of this event. Jesus was coming into the city of Jerusalem to present himself as the King of the Jews.

  Dr. John MacArthur writes, "Because He was a King like no other king, His coronation was like no other coronation. By the standards and purposes of the earth's kings, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was anything but triumphant; but by the standards and purposes of God, it was exactly as it was meant to be. Jesus' entry on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden was not put down by His rejecters. It was the sovereign choice of God the Father and of God the Son, who Himself willingly came to earth as the Servant Savior, to take

Upon Himself the sin of the world. Nothing could have been more appropriate than that the Bearer of the world's sin burden would enter God's holy city of Zion riding on a lowly beast of burden[5].

4. Promptness – vv. 6–7

  "So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them."

   The two disciples were prompt when Jesus gave them a task to accomplish. They were quick to obey what He commanded them. Isn't that wonderful? They didn't stand there and argue with Jesus. No, they went, and they accomplished exactly what he had told them to do.

   The very word "disciple" carries with it the idea of being under a master, a teacher, or a mentor. These two disciples were followers of Jesus Christ, and when their master spoke — they listened and obeyed.

   In the Easton’s Bible Dictionary, we read,

   A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his Spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matthew 10:24; Luke 14:26-27,33; John 6:69).

   There is a verse in the gospel of John that each one of us would do well to highlight, and perhaps even commit to memory. It is John 15:14, it reads,

   "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you."

    We read in the epistle of 1 John the following words,

   "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3)

   I believe that we can learn from the quickness and obedience of these two disciples. Jesus spoke to them, and they were quick to respond.

   How quick are we to respond when the Holy Spirit speaks to us through the Scriptures? This is a good question to ask ourselves. When we hear God’s Word preached, or read it during our devotional time, and we come across a command, are we quick (prompt) to do it?

These two disciples:

· Heard Jesus speak.

· Did as Jesus commanded.

5. Praise – vv. 7-9

   7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”

   The praise of the crowd is seen in their sacrifice- they laid their clothes on the back of the animal; they laid their clothes on the ground. They waved palm branches. They cried out, "Hosanna" which means "Save us we pray." They also cried out, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!"

Praise Defined

The dictionary tells us that the word, praise means, an expression of warm approval or admiration; strong commendation. The extolling of a deity, ruler, or hero.

   Many Bible teachers believe that these words are also prophetic, and they point us to Psalm 118:25-26, which reads,

   Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.

   It appears from 2 Kings 9:13, that this spreading of garments both on the back of a beast of burden, and on the ground was a custom which was usual at the coronation of a king. We read,

   Then each man hastened to take his garment and put it under him on the top of the steps; and they blew trumpets, saying, "Jehu is king!"

   On this day, the day that Jesus made his Grand Entrance into Jerusalem the multitude spread out their clothes and laid palm branches on the roadway as Jesus made his way towards Jerusalem. They cried with their voices in recognition that Jesus was the one who had come to save them - this was their reason for praise! You see, as Jesus made his way into Jerusalem the crowd saw him coming as their king.

6. Proclamation - v. 10-11

   10And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

   The King has arrived! He had made his Grand Entrance into Jerusalem. We read here in these verses that "all the city was moved," Literally we could read this as "the city was shaken."

    Can you imagine in your mind’s eye this scene that took place on what we traditionally call Palm Sunday? The entire city heard about it - bear in mind that Jerusalem was much smaller than what it is today.

   It would be like a parade happening in Spirit Lake - we are still small enough as a town that most of the residents of Spirit Lake would hear about it if something occurred, especially Spirit Lake proper.

   As the people of Jerusalem saw this event happening - they saw Jesus' Grand Entrance – they saw him riding on the back of a donkey coming into the city, and they took note. The people started to ask,

   "Who is this?"

   Oh, how I wish that people were asking this question today! Wouldn't it make the task of fulfilling the Great Commission much easier? Can you imagine if people from Spirit Lake just walked up to us and asked, "Who is this?" and we were able to sit down with them and share the gospel? Wow! Now that would be super! Well, when Jesus made his Grand Entrance into Jerusalem that day the people were asking who He was, and they received a response. The multitude responded,

   "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."

   Underline the two words, "the prophet". I believe those two words are very crucial to understanding the entire Grand Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem.

   Adam Clarke does a great job is explaining what is meant by the words "the prophet". He writes.

   "This is Jesus THE PROPHET. That prophet whom Moses spoke of, Deuteronomy 18:18. I will raise them up a prophet-like unto thee, etc. Every expression of the multitude plainly intimated that they fully received our blessed Lord as the promised Messiah. How strange is it that these same people (if the creatures of the high priest be not only intended) should, about five days after, change their hosannas for, Away with him! Crucify, him! Crucify him! How fickle is the multitude! Even when they get right, there is but little hope that they will continue so long."[6]

   You see, as Jesus made his Grand Entrance into Jerusalem the people fully understood that he was THE PROPHET spoken about in the writings of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18).

   The name Jesus means "savior or deliverer, and the prophets all agreed that a savior and deliverer would come – Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of their prophecy.

Conclusion: The Grand Entrance of Jesus was not a random moment—it was an event He had prepared for throughout His three-year earthly ministry. It was something He repeatedly reminded His disciples about (take a moment to go back and reread the Scripture passages). Jerusalem was always before Him—it was the city of His divine appointment, the place where His mission would be fulfilled.

   I don’t know if you noticed this as we walked through the biblical account, but a miracle is written all over it. Even in this familiar story, we witness the miraculous. The fingerprints of God are everywhere.

   One of the strongest pieces of evidence that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be is the fulfillment of prophecy. In our passage, we saw the precise fulfillment of prophetic details—tiny puzzle pieces fitting perfectly into God’s bigger picture. Some of these prophecies were spoken 500 to 700 years before Jesus ever took on flesh. That’s not a coincidence—it’s God’s plan unfolding.

   We also briefly touched on obedience—a key theme in this story and the life of every Christ-follower. Let me ask: Are you an obedient Christian?

   When you see a command in Scripture, are you quick to obey, like the disciples who “went and did as Jesus commanded”?

   And how is your praise life?

   Do you take time to praise the Lord—not just with songs, but with your heart, your words, and your daily life?

   To praise God is to recognize His attributes and character. The people praised Jesus as He entered Jerusalem because they believed He was coming to save them from Roman oppression.

You and I know Him not just as a political figure, but as a spiritual deliverer—the One who rescues us from the kingdom of darkness and brings us into the kingdom of light. Through a relationship with Jesus Christ, we become children of God. Isn’t that something worth praising Him for?

   Finally, just as the multitude in Jerusalem proclaimed who Jesus was, you and I are called to proclaim who Jesus is to our city—Spirit Lake.

   People here aren’t going out of their way to ask us who Jesus is, so we must take the message to them. Yes, some will turn away. But others will hear, and respond, and we will see people saved in 2025.

   Let’s use this Passion Week as an opportunity. Start inviting people to our Resurrection Sunday service (April 20th). Let them know about our Easter celebrations. Share the hope of Jesus.

   If people are outside of Christ, they are spiritually dead. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can bring them to life. We can’t do His work—but we can tell people about Jesus.

  So, let’s sow the seed. Let’s water it. And let’s trust God for the results.

[1]MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1985–1989). Matthew(Vol. 3, p. 256). Moody Press.

[2]Matthew Henry Commentary, The Power Bible CD (Scripture verses added).

[3]Harold Willmington, Willmington’s Guide to the Bible, P. 319

[4]Adam Clarke’s Commentary, The Power Bible CD

[5]Dr. John MacAthur, Jr., MacArthur Bible Commentary on Matthew 16-23, Quickverse 8.0

[6]Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary, The Power Bible CD