New Testament
Matthew 21:3
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If anyone questions you, just say, 'The Lord needs them,' and they'll let you take them immediately."
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And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.
What Matthew 21:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples on how to acquire a donkey and its colt for His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He tells them that if anyone questions their actions, they should simply respond that 'The Lord needs them.' This shows Jesus' authority and divine purpose, as He is fulfilling prophecy about the coming Messiah. The phrase emphasizes that the needs of the Lord take precedence, and those who recognize His authority will respond accordingly. This moment highlights the importance of obedience and faith in following Jesus' commands, even when the situation seems unusual or unexpected. The disciples' willingness to follow His instructions without hesitation demonstrates their trust in Him. This act also symbolizes Jesus' kingship and the humble nature of His mission, as He rides into the city on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. Overall, this verse illustrates the relationship between Jesus and His followers, emphasizing the need for faith and readiness to serve His purposes.
How to apply Matthew 21:3 to your life
When faced with tasks that seem daunting or unconventional, remember to trust in God's plan. Like the disciples, we should be ready to act on His instructions, knowing that He has a purpose for our actions. Our willingness to serve can lead to fulfilling His greater mission.
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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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Key themes
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 21:3 mean?
Matthew 21:3 describes Jesus instructing His disciples to acquire a donkey and its colt for His entry into Jerusalem. He tells them to say, 'The Lord needs them' if questioned, highlighting His authority and the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah.
What is the significance of 'The Lord needs them' in Matthew 21:3?
The phrase 'The Lord needs them' signifies Jesus' divine authority and purpose. It shows that when God has a plan, those who recognize His authority will respond positively to His requests.
How does Matthew 21:3 relate to Jesus' kingship?
Matthew 21:3 relates to Jesus' kingship as it depicts Him riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, symbolizing humility and peace, in fulfillment of the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9.
What can we learn from the disciples' actions in Matthew 21:3?
The disciples' willingness to follow Jesus' unusual instructions without hesitation teaches us about trust and obedience. It encourages us to act on God's guidance, even when it seems unconventional.
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