New Testament
Matthew 21:2
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He told them, "Go into the village just ahead of you. Right away you'll find a donkey tied up with her colt beside her. Untie them and bring them to me.
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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.
What Matthew 21:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs his disciples to go to a nearby village where they will find a donkey and her colt tied up. He tells them to untie these animals and bring them to him. This moment is significant as it fulfills a prophecy about the Messiah entering Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing peace rather than war. The act of sending his disciples to fetch the donkey shows Jesus' authority and foreknowledge. It also highlights the humble nature of his kingship, as he chooses a simple donkey for his entrance instead of a grand horse. This event marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus' life, leading up to his crucifixion and resurrection, and sets the stage for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds would later proclaim him as king. The donkey represents humility and service, contrasting with the expectations of a powerful political leader.
How to apply Matthew 21:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to be obedient to God's instructions, even when they seem unusual or unexpected. It reminds us that God has a plan and that we can trust Him to guide us in fulfilling our roles in His mission, just as the disciples did.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1–11)
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Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
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Keep studying Matthew 21:2
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:2 signify about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem?
Matthew 21:2 signifies the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy regarding the Messiah's humble entry into Jerusalem. By instructing his disciples to fetch a donkey and her colt, Jesus demonstrates his authority and foreknowledge. This act symbolizes peace, contrasting with the expectations of a conquering king. It marks the beginning of the final week of Jesus' life, leading to his crucifixion and resurrection, and highlights the nature of his kingship as one of humility and service.
Why did Jesus choose a donkey for his entry instead of a horse?
Jesus chose a donkey for his entry into Jerusalem to symbolize peace rather than war. In ancient times, kings would ride horses in times of battle, while donkeys were associated with peaceful intentions. This choice reflects the humble nature of Jesus' mission and his role as the Messiah, who came to serve rather than to conquer. It also fulfills the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of the king coming to Jerusalem 'gentle and riding on a donkey'.
What can we learn about obedience from Matthew 21:2?
Matthew 21:2 teaches us the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when they may seem unusual or unexpected. The disciples followed Jesus' command without hesitation, demonstrating trust in his authority and plan. This encourages us to be attentive to God's guidance in our lives and to act faithfully in fulfilling our roles in His mission, just as the disciples did when they went to fetch the donkey.
How does this verse relate to the theme of discipleship?
This verse illustrates the theme of discipleship by showing the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus' instructions. Their obedience in going to the village to retrieve the donkey reflects the essence of being a disciple—trusting and acting on Jesus' words. It emphasizes that discipleship involves not only belief but also action, as followers of Christ are called to participate in His mission and fulfill His commands, even in seemingly small tasks.
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