Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just happen to be near Jerusalem; he's deliberately arriving at a specific spot, Bethphage, which means "house of figs," a place known for its fruitfulness, right before a significant historical event. This deliberate positioning highlights that his coming entry into the city isn't spontaneous but a divinely orchestrated moment, a public presentation of himself as Israel's promised King.
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and his disciples are approaching Jerusalem, specifically reaching the Mount of Olives near the village of Bethphage. This marks the beginning of what will become known as His triumphal entry into the city, a pivotal event fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for His passion. Jesus deliberately sends two disciples ahead to procure a donkey and its colt, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control over the events unfolding.
Why did Jesus choose this specific spot to begin His momentous journey into Jerusalem? It wasn't just a random waypoint.
Jesus arrives at Bethphage, a village on the western slope of the Mount of Olives. This location is strategically significant for several reasons:
Jesus doesn't just react to circumstances; He orchestrates them. Why the specific command to send two disciples?
This isn't a spontaneous decision by Jesus. He sends two disciples, indicating a pre-planned action. This highlights several key aspects of His nature and mission:
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Understand the original words
Hierosolyma · Greek Proper Noun
The holy city of Israel, the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, representing God's presence among His people. It is a frequent focus of messianic prophecy and expectation.
Bēthphagē · Greek Proper Noun
A term meaning "house of figs," a village located on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem. It is culturally significant as a site frequently visited by Jesus during his final week.
Elaion · Greek Noun
A ridge east of Jerusalem. In biblical prophecy (Zechariah 14:4), it is the site where the Lord shall stand at the time of the end and the inauguration of His kingdom.
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Literally a "learner" or "apprentice," one who adheres to the teachings of another. In the New Testament, it refers to those who follow Jesus, learn from Him, and imitate His life.
Jesus' approach to Jerusalem, specifically to the Mount of Olives and Bethphage, sets the stage for His final week. This journey happens at Passover, a time steeped in the memory of God's deliverance from slavery, fueling the people's expectation for a Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule.
c. 6th Century BC
Babylonian Exile
The Jewish people were exiled from their land by the Babylonians, leading to a profound sense of loss and longing for restoration and the coming of a Messiah.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple Completed
After returning from exile, the Jewish people rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem, a symbol of their hope and national identity, which Jesus is approaching.
c. 2nd Century BC
Hasmonean Kingdom
A period of Jewish independence under the Hasmonean dynasty, which ended with Roman intervention and the establishment of Roman client rulers.
c. 63 BC
Roman Conquest of Judea
Rome conquered Judea, installing its own rulers and imposing its authority, creating a backdrop of political tension and a fervent desire for a divinely appointed king.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Passover
Jesus' public ministry takes place during the Roman occupation, coinciding with the annual Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem, a time of heightened national and religious fervor.
Palm Sunday
Jesus' Triumphal Entry
Jesus deliberately rides into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and presenting Himself as Israel's King, a pivotal moment just days before His crucifixion.
This passage prophesies the very event Matthew describes, painting a picture of a humble king arriving on a donkey, fulfilling ancient words.
John 12:12-13This passage gives us more detail about the crowd's excitement and their use of palm branches, showing the public recognition of Jesus as King.
Luke 19:29-34Luke's account adds the specific instructions Jesus gave the disciples about finding the colt, highlighting Jesus' divine foreknowledge of every detail.
Psalm 8:2This Psalm speaks of God ordaining praise from the mouths of infants and children, which resonates with the children crying 'Hosanna' in the temple court later in this chapter.
John 12:1John places this event six days before Passover, helping us pinpoint the timing and significance of Jesus' approach to Jerusalem as the Passover Lamb.
bensonMatthew 21:1: "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,"
Matthew 21:1-3 . And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem — Namely, on the first day of the week, five days before his death, for the passover was kept on the fourteenth day of the month, and this was the tenth; on which day the law appointed that the paschal-lamb should be taken up, Exodus 12:3 , and set apart for that service: on that day therefore Christ…
henryMatthew 21:1-11: "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,"
21:1-11 This coming of Christ was described by the prophet Zechariah, Zec 9:9. When Christ would appear in his glory, it is in his meekness, not in his majesty, in mercy to work salvation. As meekness and outward poverty were fully seen in Zion's King, and marked his triumphal entrance to Jerusalem, how wrong covetousness, ambition, and the pride of lif…
Jesus doesn't just happen to be near Jerusalem; he's deliberately arriving at a specific spot, Bethphage, which means "house of figs," a place known for its fruitfulness, right before a significant historical event. This deliberate positioning highlights that his coming entry into the city isn't spontaneous but a divinely orchestrated moment, a public presentation of himself as Israel's promised King.
Jesus and his disciples are approaching Jerusalem, specifically reaching the Mount of Olives near the village of Bethphage. This marks the beginning of what will become known as His triumphal entry into the city, a pivotal event fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for His passion. Jesus deliberately sends two disciples ahead to procure a donkey and its colt, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control over the events unfolding.
Jesus and his disciples are approaching Jerusalem, specifically reaching the Mount of Olives near the village of Bethphage. This marks the beginning of what will become known as His triumphal entry into the city, a pivotal event fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for His passion. Jesus deliberately sends two disciples ahead to procure a donkey and its colt, demonstrating His foreknowledge and control over the events unfolding.
"Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples," — Jesus doesn't just happen to be near Jerusalem; he's deliberately arriving at a specific spot, Bethphage, which means "house of figs," a place known for its fruitfulness, right before a significant h…
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Last reviewed October 2026