By Robert Olsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
More Than a Prophet?
Matthew 21:1–11
The King’s Prerogative (1–5)
When reading the Gospel of Matthew one quickly notices the Old Testament Scriptural references throughout.
Matthew, more than the other Gospels, shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies as the long-awaited Messiah.
It is evident that Matthew directed his gospel toward a Jewish audience, showing that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah. One way he does this is showing that Jesus had supernatural knowledge of future proceedings indicating that Jesus is the Messiah.
The amount of Old Testament references is why Matthew is put first in the New Testament canon; Matthew provides the bridge between the Old Testament and New Testament. In this instance Matthew is citing Zechariah 9:9 and the coming of the righteous King.
The fact that Jesus is coming on a donkey demonstrates He is bringing peace, not war. If He came on a horse, a military mount, it would indicate war. Many in Jerusalem expected a King who would come and declare war against the Romans and political powers, but Jesus did not come for this purpose.
However, Jesus’ Second Coming will be a powerful return bringing judgment.
The King’s Celebration (6–9)
The people of Jerusalem were excited to see Jesus because they believed He was going to be a political leader. Most people understood the Jewish Messiah would bring peace through a political government but failed to recognize the Messiah would be a suffering servant (see Isa. 53, Ps. 22).
Jesus references this throughout the gospel, but His disciples missed this point. It is true the Old Testament prophecies indicate the Messiah would be triumphant over Israel’s enemies, but this will not happen until Christ’s Second Coming.
We need to be careful not to make the same mistake. Many Christian preachers create a Jesus who gives us what we want, not what we need. We may hear that if we have enough faith we will become wealthy or have physical health, but we need to come to Jesus on His terms and give up everything to follow Him. This may be money, time, job or comfort.
Following Jesus is worth the cost because God always wants what is best for us. It may not be what we think is best, but Romans 8:28 affirms that God does all things for our good. We need to trust that God’s ways are best and put aside our personal desires.
The People’s Confusion (10–11)
Most of the people in Jerusalem knew Jesus was something special. They had seen and experienced His miracles and knew He taught with authority.
The main opposition came from the religious leaders who saw Jesus as a threat to their authority.
While the people knew Jesus was a prophet, and many believed Him to be the Messiah, they didn’t understand that He was really the Son of God. Matthew makes it clear throughout his Gospel that Jesus is in fact God in flesh, the One who came to save us from our sins.
Because this is clear to us in Matthew’s Gospel as well as the rest of the Bible, the only response we should have is to worship Christ. We need to believe Jesus and trust in Him for the forgiveness of our sins. The people in Jesus’ day missed this point, but we have no excuse.
Do you trust in Christ? Is He Lord of your life?
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