Matthew 21:2 KJV

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.

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Matthew 21:2 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 21:2

Verse: "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."

Introduction

This verse is part of the narrative leading to the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, a pivotal moment in the Gospels that marks the beginning of the end of His earthly ministry. Understanding Matthew 21:2 requires examining the prophetic significance of the event, the fulfillment of scriptural predictions, and the practical actions instructed by Jesus.

Context of the Passage

Matthew 21:1-11 describes one of the most public recognitions of Jesus as the Messiah. Prior to this, Jesus had been teaching and performing miracles throughout the region. The journey to Jerusalem holds deep implications as it leads to the impending events of the Passion. The actions of Jesus in this verse are deliberate and fulfill Old Testament prophecy, specifically that of Zechariah 9:9 which heralds a king coming humble and riding on a donkey.

Commentary from Public Domain Sources

Matthew Henry

Henry emphasizes the significance of the ass and the colt. He notes that choosing a humble animal for His entrance was a reflection of Christ's character and mission. The animal symbolizes peace rather than war, aligning with the prophecy. Henry argues that Jesus' command to His disciples shows His divine authority and pre-knowledge, as He knew exactly where the animals would be found.
Albert Barnes

Barnes elaborates on the prophetic nature of this event, highlighting the importance of fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. He asserts that this act was meant to publicly declare Jesus as the Messiah in a way that contrasted with the expectations of a conquering hero. The act of "loosing" the animals for Christ demonstrates the notion that the authority of Jesus supersedes all conventional societal norms.
Adam Clarke

Clarke provides insight into the geographical and cultural context of the verse. He suggests that the village referenced may have been Bethphage, a small village on the Mount of Olives. Clarke also comments on the symbolism of the donkey and colt, proposing that their presence represents the Jews' situation—bound and needing the liberating influence of Christ to be free. He also discusses the theological implications — Jesus’ kingship challenges worldly power and establishes a new kingdom.

Theological Implications

The act of Jesus asking for the colt and the ass to be brought to Him reveals multiple layers of meaning:

Authority of Christ:
The way Jesus foresaw the location of the animals underscores His divine authority and omniscience, key attributes that affirm His identity as the Messiah.
Fulfillment of Prophecy:
The fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy validates Jesus’ claim as the Messiah and serves to strengthen the faith of His followers, asserting that God’s plan is unfolding as foretold.
Jesus and the Kingdom of God:
By riding a humble donkey, Jesus contrasts human concepts of power and authority. This calls for a reevaluation of how true kingship operates within the Kingdom of God — through humility and service rather than domination.

Application for Believers

This passage has significant applications for pastors, students, and theologians:

Leadership:
Christ's model of leadership through humility is a challenging call for modern leaders in the church. It invites a reflection on how power and authority are exercised among God's people.
Faith and Obedience:
The disciples’ obedience to Jesus’s instructions reminds believers of the importance of faith and action in following Christ’s commands, even when they may not immediately understand the purpose.
Messianic Expectation:
Understanding Christ's fulfilling role as the Messiah should deepen a believer’s appreciation for the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments and the consistency of God’s redemptive plan.

Conclusion

Matthew 21:2 is a multi-faceted verse that unveils the character of Jesus, portrays His authority, and fulfills ancient prophecies. For theologians and scholars, it serves as a crucial reference point in studying the Messianic identity of Christ and understanding the nature of His Kingdom. The insights derived from historical commentaries enrich the fabric of biblical interpretation, inviting believers to respond with faith and reflective obedience.

Matthew 21 (KJV) Verse Selection

Matthew 21:1 Matthew 21:2 Matthew 21:3 Matthew 21:4 Matthew 21:5 Matthew 21:6 Matthew 21:7 Matthew 21:8 Matthew 21:9 Matthew 21:10 Matthew 21:11 Matthew 21:12 Matthew 21:13 Matthew 21:14 Matthew 21:15 Matthew 21:16 Matthew 21:17 Matthew 21:18 Matthew 21:19 Matthew 21:20 Matthew 21:21 Matthew 21:22 Matthew 21:23 Matthew 21:24 Matthew 21:25 Matthew 21:26 Matthew 21:27 Matthew 21:28 Matthew 21:29 Matthew 21:30 Matthew 21:31 Matthew 21:32 Matthew 21:33 Matthew 21:34 Matthew 21:35 Matthew 21:36 Matthew 21:37 Matthew 21:38 Matthew 21:39 Matthew 21:40 Matthew 21:41 Matthew 21:42 Matthew 21:43 Matthew 21:44 Matthew 21:45 Matthew 21:46

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