Matthew 21:1-11
Jesus’ Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem
Read Matthew 21:1-11 (NRSV) below.
When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2saying to them, "Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, just say this, 'The Lord needs them.' And he will send them immediately." 4This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,
5"Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey."
6The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. 8A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
"Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!"
10When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, "Who is this?" 11The crowds were saying, "This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee."
What one word or phrase caught your attention? Share it with a friend or family member, over the phone or in person.
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Read Matthew 21:1-11 (Jerusalem Bible) below.
When they were near Jerusalem and had come in sight of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village facing you, and you will immediately find a tethered donkey and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, “The Master needs them and will send them back directly.” This took place to fulfill the prophecy:
Say to the daughter of Zion:
Look, your king comes to you;
he is humble, he rides on a donkey
And on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.
So the disciple went out and did as Jesus had told them. They brought the donkey and the colt, then they laid their cloaks on their backs and he sat on them. Great crowds of people spread their cloaks on the road, while others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in his path. The crowds who went in front of him and those who followed were all shouting:
Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessings on him who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heavens!
And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil. “Who is this?” people asked, and the crowds answered, “This is the prophet Jesus form Nazareth in Galilee.”
Take two minutes to reflect on where this passage touches your life today and then share with your friend or family member.
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Read Matthew 21:1-11 (SPARK Story Bible) below.
“Friends!” Jesus said to his disciples. “I need to go to Jerusalem. I’ve got some important things to do and I want to celebrate Passover with you there. Will you come with me?” “Sure” said the disciples. “Passover is a great holiday! Such good food! And what a wonderful story Passover celebrates—the exodus of God’s people, the Israelites, from Egypt! It’s good to be with friends and family at Passover.” So Jesus and his friends started to go to Jerusalem.
When they got close to the city, Jesus said, “I’d like two of you to go borrow a donkey in the next village over. Please tell the owner I need it. He’ll understand.” When the two friends came back with a donkey, Jesus climbed on its back and rode down the hill into the city of Jerusalem. The disciples followed behind him.
Suddenly, they found themselves in a parade! People were singing and shouting, “Hosanna! Hosanna! Here comes God’s king! Hosanna! Praise God!” People all over heard the shouting and singing and they joined the parade too. Hundreds of people! Thousands of people! They started taking off their coats and laying them on the ground for Jesus and the donkey to walk on. They pulled palm branches down from the trees and waved them as they sang. Then they threw their palms on the ground to make a path for Jesus.
The crowds gave Jesus a royal welcome as he rode into the city, just like a king. But Jesus was a very different king—he was a king of peace. Not everyone understood that. Jesus was not at all what they were expecting.
They thought the crowd was too loud and the parade was getting too big. “Who is that man?” someone asked. “What’s going on here?” asked another. The crowd answered, “This is Jesus, God’s King! He has come to save us!” Some of the religious leaders murmured, “Hush! Jesus, tell your friends to be quiet—it’s way too loud here!” But Jesus said, “We can try to make these people be quiet, but that wouldn’t make a difference because today the whole earth is celebrating!”
Take two minutes to reflect on the following: From what I have heard and shared, what does God want me to do or be this week? How does God invite me to change? Share with your friend or family member.
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Discuss your prayer concerns and that of your friend or family member, and then, pray for each other.