Matthew 21:6

KJV

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the disciples {G3101} went {G4198}, and {G2532} did {G4160} as {G2531} Jesus {G2424} commanded {G4367} them {G846},

Complete Jewish Bible

So the talmidim went and did as Yeshua had directed them.

Berean Standard Bible

So the disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them.

American Standard Version

And the disciples went, and did even as Jesus appointed them,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 21:6 succinctly records the immediate and unquestioning obedience of Jesus' disciples as they carry out His precise instructions. This pivotal action, though simple in its description, sets the stage for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, marking a significant moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan and highlighting the profound authority and divine foreknowledge of Christ, to which His followers faithfully respond.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 21:6 is embedded within the narrative of Jesus' final approach to Jerusalem, specifically detailing the preparations for His public, messianic entry. The preceding verses, [Matthew 21:1-5](/matthew/21-1-5 "Matthew 21:1-5 - Jesus Sends Disciples for a Donkey"), describe Jesus' remarkably specific instructions to two disciples: where to find a donkey and a colt, what to say to their owners, and the precise outcome. This level of detail underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over events. Following this verse, [Matthew 21:7-11](/matthew/21-7-11 "Matthew 21:7-11 - The Triumphal Entry") vividly portrays the Triumphal Entry itself, where the crowds hail Jesus as the Son of David, fulfilling ancient prophecy and setting the stage for the dramatic events of Passion Week.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' entry into Jerusalem occurs during the Passover season, a time when the city would be teeming with Jewish pilgrims anticipating the celebration of their deliverance from Egypt. This atmosphere was charged with messianic expectation, as many hoped for a political liberator who would overthrow Roman rule. The act of riding a donkey, as opposed to a warhorse, was a deliberate and symbolic gesture, echoing the prophecy in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"). This prophecy speaks of a king coming to Jerusalem, "humble, and mounted on a donkey," signifying a king of peace and humility, not a conquering warrior. The disciples' actions, therefore, were not merely logistical but participated in a divinely orchestrated public declaration of Jesus' messianic identity in a manner that challenged popular expectations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty and foreknowledge**, as Jesus demonstrates precise knowledge of future events and control over circumstances. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **discipleship and obedience**, showcasing the disciples' immediate and unquestioning compliance with Jesus' commands, even when those commands might seem unusual or risky. Their obedience is a model of faith and trust in Christ's authority. Finally, the disciples' actions, though simple, are integral to the **fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy**, specifically [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), thereby affirming Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah and demonstrating the meticulous unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to learn," a _mathētḗs_ is fundamentally a learner or pupil. In the New Testament, it refers to those who follow Jesus, not merely as students of a teacher, but as committed adherents to His person and teachings, living under His authority and imitating His way of life. Their identity as "disciples" here emphasizes their submission and readiness to obey.
* **went (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** This verb signifies "to traverse," "to travel," or "to go." It implies a purposeful movement. The use of this word highlights the disciples' immediate and active response to Jesus' command. They didn't just understand or agree; they physically moved to execute the instruction, indicating a practical and prompt obedience.
* **commanded (Greek, _prostássō'_):** This word means "to arrange towards" or "to enjoin," carrying the connotation of an authoritative directive or instruction. It is stronger than a mere suggestion or request; it implies a binding order given by one in authority. The disciples' action was a direct response to a clear, authoritative mandate from Jesus, underscoring His sovereign position.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the disciples went":** This clause emphasizes the prompt and active response of Jesus' followers. Upon receiving Jesus' instructions, they did not hesitate, question, or delay. Their "going" signifies an immediate and practical step of obedience, demonstrating their trust in Jesus' word and their commitment to His authority. It highlights the practical outworking of their discipleship.
* **"and did as Jesus commanded them":** This phrase is the core of the verse, underscoring the completeness and precision of the disciples' obedience. They did not deviate from the instructions; they acted "as" (according to the exact manner) Jesus had specified. This highlights Jesus' absolute authority and foreknowledge, as well as the disciples' faithful and unquestioning submission to His will, even in a seemingly unusual request. Their actions were a direct fulfillment of His authoritative directive.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Simplicity** and **Understatement**. The straightforward declaration "And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them" belies the profound theological implications of their actions. This simple statement of obedience sets in motion the highly symbolic and prophetically significant Triumphal Entry, which immediately follows. The brevity of the description of the disciples' actions serves to highlight the authority of Jesus and the efficacy of His word, rather than focusing on the disciples' process or internal thoughts. Their actions are presented as a direct, unembellished consequence of Jesus' command, emphasizing the power of His directive and the faithfulness of His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 21:6 serves as a powerful testament to the nature of true discipleship, where faith is demonstrated through immediate and precise obedience to Christ's commands. This seemingly minor act of fetching a donkey and colt is infused with profound theological meaning, illustrating that even the smallest acts of obedience contribute to the unfolding of God's grand redemptive plan. It underscores the divine authority of Jesus, whose foreknowledge and sovereign direction are met with the trusting compliance of His followers. This dynamic relationship between Christ's command and the disciples' obedience is a recurring motif in the Gospels, emphasizing that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but active submission to the Lordship of Jesus.

* [John 14:15](/john/14-15 "John 14:15 - Keeping Jesus' Commandments")
* [Luke 6:46](/luke/6-46 "Luke 6:46 - Why Call Me Lord, and Not Do What I Say?")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The concise account of the disciples' obedience in Matthew 21:6 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It calls us to consider the quality of our own response to God's leading. The disciples did not question the unusual request, nor did they hesitate; they simply "went, and did." This immediate and unquestioning compliance is a hallmark of deep trust in divine wisdom, even when the purpose or outcome is not fully apparent to us. Often, God's commands may seem small, inconvenient, or even illogical from a human perspective, yet our faithful execution of these seemingly minor directives can play a crucial role in His larger, sovereign plan, just as fetching a donkey was integral to the Triumphal Entry. This verse reminds us that true discipleship involves not just hearing the words of Jesus, but actively and promptly living them out, trusting that our obedience, however small, is significant in the grand narrative of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the disciples' immediate obedience challenge my own willingness to follow God's commands, especially when the purpose is unclear or the task seems unusual?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to a simple, unquestioning act of obedience, even if it seems insignificant to me?**
* **How does trusting in God's foreknowledge, as demonstrated by Jesus in this account, strengthen my faith in His overall plan for my life, even when I cannot see the full picture?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus need a donkey and a colt, and why were the disciples told to just take them?**

Answer: Jesus needed the donkey and colt primarily to fulfill the ancient prophecy found in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Prophecy of the King on a Donkey"), which foretold that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem humbly, riding on a donkey. This act publicly declared His messianic identity in a manner consistent with prophetic expectations, distinguishing Him from a conquering warrior king. The instruction to "just take them" highlights Jesus' divine authority and foreknowledge. He knew exactly where the animals would be, that they had never been ridden, and what the owners' response would be. This demonstrates His sovereignty over all creation and circumstances, implying that the owners would willingly release the animals at His command, even if conveyed through His disciples.

**What is the significance of the disciples' obedience in this specific moment?**

Answer: The disciples' immediate and unquestioning obedience in [Matthew 21:6](/matthew/21-6 "Matthew 21:6 - Disciples' Obedience") is highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the absolute authority of Jesus; His commands are to be followed without hesitation or debate. Secondly, it serves as a model of faithful discipleship, demonstrating that true followers of Christ respond promptly and precisely to His directives, even when the full scope or reason behind the command is not immediately clear. Their simple act of obedience was a crucial step in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, directly facilitating the prophetic fulfillment of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. It illustrates that seemingly small acts of faithfulness contribute to God's grand purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 21:6, though focusing on the disciples' obedience, ultimately points to the supreme obedience of Christ Himself. The disciples' act of "going and doing as Jesus commanded" foreshadows and reflects the perfect obedience of the Son to the Father's will. Jesus, the true and greater Disciple, consistently lived a life of absolute submission, culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross, as beautifully articulated in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience"), where He "became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." His humble entry into Jerusalem, facilitated by the disciples' obedience, was not the arrival of a conquering king on a warhorse, but of the Suffering Servant, who came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Thus, the disciples' faithful response to their Master's command serves as a microcosm of Christ's own unwavering commitment to His Father's redemptive plan, a plan that would lead Him to Jerusalem for the ultimate act of self-giving love and atonement.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 39:43

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Exodus 40:16

¶ Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.

Genesis 12:4

¶ So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram [was] seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.

1 Samuel 15:11

It repenteth me that I have set up Saul [to be] king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.

Genesis 6:22

¶ Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.