Matthew 21:1

¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

And {G2532} when {G3753} they drew nigh {G1448} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}, and {G2532} were come {G2064} to {G1519} Bethphage {G967}, unto {G4314} the mount {G3735} of Olives {G1636}, then {G5119} sent {G649} Jesus {G2424} two {G1417} disciples {G3101},

As they were approaching Yerushalayim, they came to Beit-Pagei on the Mount of Olives. Yeshua sent two talmidim

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two disciples,

And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

Commentary

Matthew 21:1 sets the scene for one of the most pivotal moments in the Gospel narratives: Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, often commemorated as Palm Sunday. This verse describes Jesus and His disciples drawing near to the holy city, specifically reaching the village of Bethphage, situated on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. From this strategic vantage point, Jesus dispatches two disciples on a crucial mission, initiating the events that would culminate in His public declaration as King.

Context

This verse marks the beginning of Jesus's final approach to Jerusalem for the Passover festival, a journey He had been undertaking with His disciples. Having traveled from Jericho (see Matthew 20:29), they arrive at Bethphage, a small village located just east of Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. This location was significant, as it was a traditional starting point for pilgrims entering Jerusalem from the east. The Mount of Olives itself holds deep prophetic significance in Jewish tradition, often associated with the Messiah's arrival and future events (see Zechariah 14:4).

Key Themes

  • Divine Orchestration and Sovereignty: Jesus's actions in this verse—sending His disciples with specific instructions—demonstrate His complete foreknowledge and control over events. He is not merely entering Jerusalem passively, but intentionally orchestrating every detail according to God's divine plan.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This preliminary act directly sets up the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah's entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (as detailed in subsequent verses like Matthew 21:5, quoting Zechariah 9:9). The precise location and the subsequent sending of disciples are all part of this prophetic unfolding.
  • Anticipation of Passion Week: Matthew 21:1 is the immediate prelude to what is known as Passion Week, the most significant week in Christian history, leading to Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection. The atmosphere shifts from general teaching to the direct confrontation with Jerusalem's religious and political authorities.

Linguistic Insights

The name Bethphage (Greek: Βηθφαγή) is of Aramaic origin, meaning "house of unripe figs." This suggests the village was situated amidst fig groves, a common agricultural feature of the region, and it ties into the later account of Jesus cursing the fig tree (see Matthew 21:19). This simple detail further grounds the narrative in the historical and geographical realities of first-century Judea.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God's plans unfold with precision and purpose. Just as Jesus meticulously prepared for His entry into Jerusalem, so too does God orchestrate events in our lives and in history. It encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that even seemingly small details are part of His greater design. The careful planning seen here underscores Jesus's intentionality in fulfilling His mission, providing a model of purposeful living for His followers.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 14:4 (8 votes)

    And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which [is] before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, [and there shall be] a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

  • Mark 11:1 (8 votes)

    ¶ And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

  • Mark 11:10 (8 votes)

    Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

  • John 8:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

  • Matthew 24:3 (6 votes)

    And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

  • Matthew 26:30 (6 votes)

    And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

  • Luke 21:37 (6 votes)

    And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and abode in the mount that is called [the mount] of Olives.