Matthew 21:3

“And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.”

This verse is part of the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, which is recorded in Matthew 21:1-11. Jesus and His disciples approached the village of Bethphage near the Mount of Olives, and He sent two of His disciples ahead, instructing them on how to obtain a donkey and a colt for His entry.

Let’s examine this verse in its context and explore its significance:

Historical and Cultural Context:

During the time of Jesus, the act of riding on a donkey was symbolic. It signified humility, peace, and the fulfilment of Messianic prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). By choosing a donkey for His entry, Jesus was deliberately identifying Himself as the long-awaited Messiah.

Obedience and Faith:

In this verse, Jesus provides clear instructions to the disciples about how to acquire the donkey and colt. He assures them that if anyone questions them, they should respond by saying, “The Lord hath need of them,” and the animals will be immediately sent to Him. This instruction required obedience and faith from the disciples. They had to trust that the Lord’s words would be fulfilled, even if the situation seemed unusual or unlikely.

Recognition of Jesus’ Authority:

By instructing His disciples to declare that “the Lord hath need of them,” Jesus reveals His divine authority. He refers to Himself as “the Lord,” indicating His sovereignty over all creation. This acknowledgment underscores His divine identity and asserts His right to commandeer the animals for His purpose.

Fulfilment of Prophecy:

Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies. In this instance, Matthew quotes from Zechariah 9:9, which prophesied the coming of the Messiah riding on a donkey. By deliberately arranging the events of His entry to align with this prophecy, Jesus demonstrates His role as the long-awaited Savior.

Practical Lessons:

• a. Obedience and faith: The disciples’ prompt obedience and faith serve as an example for believers today. We are called to trust in God’s instructions, even when they seem unconventional or require stepping out of our comfort zones.
• b. Recognition of Jesus’ authority: This verse reminds us of Jesus’ divine authority over all aspects of our lives. He has the right to make requests of us and expects our obedience and submission to His will.
• c. Fulfilment of prophecy: The fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus reinforces His identity as the promised Messiah. It strengthens our faith in His power to fulfil His promises and assures us of the reliability of Scripture.

In summary, Matthew 21:3 recounts Jesus’ instructions to His disciples to obtain a donkey and a colt for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This verse teaches us about obedience, faith, Jesus’ divine authority, and the fulfilment of prophecy. It encourages us to trust in God’s instructions, submit to Jesus’ authority, and find assurance in the fulfilment of biblical prophecies.