Matthew 21:10

“And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?”

Context:This verse is part of a larger narrative known as the Triumphal Entry. In this passage, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. As Jesus arrives, a great crowd gathers and spreads their garments and palm branches on the road, welcoming Him with shouts of “Hosanna to the Son of David” (Matthew 21:9, KJV).

Exegesis and Key Points:

• Jesus’ Arrival:The verse begins with the statement that Jesus had come into Jerusalem. His arrival in Jerusalem marked a significant moment, as it was during the time of the Passover when many Jews gathered in the city for the festival.
• The City in Motion:The phrase “all the city was moved” indicates that the arrival of Jesus caused a great stir among the people. The commotion could be seen in the way the city responded to His entry. The news of Jesus’ arrival quickly spread, and people began to question and wonder about His identity.
• Questioning His Identity:The people’s response is expressed in the question, “Who is this?” Their curiosity and astonishment were evident, as they sought to understand the significance of this person who had entered Jerusalem. The people may have been unfamiliar with Jesus or uncertain about His authority and purpose.
• Messianic Expectations:The people’s question reflects the prevalent messianic expectations of that time. The Jews were awaiting the promised Messiah who would come to deliver them and establish God’s kingdom. Jesus’ entry on a donkey, accompanied by the crowd’s proclamation of “Hosanna,” aligned with the messianic prophecies, causing the people to question whether He could be the long-awaited Messiah.

This verse foreshadows the conflict and tension that will escalate in the following days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. While the crowd initially welcomes Him with enthusiasm, the response of the religious leaders and the people’s shifting sentiment will soon change, culminating in Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion.

Spiritual Application:

• Recognition of Jesus’ Identity:Like the people in Jerusalem, we are also faced with the question, “Who is Jesus?” It is essential for us to seek a personal understanding of Jesus’ identity and recognize Him as the Son of God, the Messiah, and our Lord and Savior.
• The Nature of Faith:The people’s question in the verse demonstrates the importance of faith and seeking to understand Jesus. We should be diligent in exploring the Scriptures, praying, and asking God for wisdom to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what He means to us.
• Shifting Loyalties:The response of the crowd also reminds us of the fickle nature of human hearts. The same crowd that praised Jesus during His triumphal entry later turned against Him. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in our faith and not be swayed by the changing opinions or circumstances around us.
• Proclaiming Jesus:The triumphal entry highlights the public proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah. As followers of Christ, we should also boldly proclaim His name, share the Gospel, and invite others to recognize Him as the true Savior and Lord.

By studying this verse and considering its context and spiritual implications, we can gain insights into the significance of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, reflect on our own understanding of His identity, and be encouraged to proclaim Him as the Messiah.