New Testament
Matthew 21:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The disciples went and did exactly what Jesus told them to do.
Compare translations
And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,
What Matthew 21:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the disciples of Jesus acting in obedience to His instructions. Jesus had given them a specific task: to go into a village and find a donkey and a colt that had never been ridden. The disciples did not hesitate or question His command; they simply went and did what He asked. This moment highlights the importance of obedience in the life of a follower of Christ. It shows that true discipleship involves listening to Jesus and taking action based on His words. The disciples' willingness to follow Jesus' command without delay demonstrates their faith and trust in Him. This act of obedience sets the stage for the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and revealing His identity as the Messiah. Their actions remind us that following Jesus often requires us to step out in faith and do what He asks, even when we may not fully understand the purpose behind it.
How to apply Matthew 21:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen to Jesus and act on His guidance in our lives. Just as the disciples obeyed without hesitation, we too should strive to follow His commands, trusting that He knows what is best for us and the greater plan He has.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:1–11)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 21:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 21:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 21:6 teach about obedience?
Matthew 21:6 illustrates the importance of obedience in the life of a disciple. The disciples acted immediately on Jesus' instructions without hesitation, demonstrating that true discipleship involves listening to Jesus and taking action based on His commands. This verse encourages believers to trust in Jesus' guidance and to follow His lead, even when the reasons for His commands may not be immediately clear.
How does this verse relate to discipleship?
This verse highlights a key aspect of discipleship: obedience to Jesus. The disciples' willingness to follow His command without questioning reflects their commitment to Him. Discipleship is not just about belief; it involves actively living out one's faith by following Jesus' teachings and commands. This act of obedience sets a powerful example for all followers of Christ.
What is the significance of the donkey and colt in this verse?
The donkey and colt that the disciples were instructed to find are significant because they fulfill a prophecy about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as the Messiah. By riding on a humble donkey rather than a majestic horse, Jesus demonstrated His role as a peaceful king. This act not only fulfilled prophecy but also revealed His identity and mission, emphasizing the importance of obedience in carrying out God's plan.
How can I apply Matthew 21:6 in my daily life?
To apply Matthew 21:6 in your life, focus on listening to Jesus and acting on His guidance. This means being attentive to His teachings through prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit. Like the disciples, strive to obey His commands promptly and without doubt. Trust that He has a purpose for your actions, and be willing to step out in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.