This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to see this as just Matthew ticking off a prophecy, but the verse highlights that Jesus intentionally orchestrated these events precisely to fulfill scripture. This wasn't an accidental coincidence; it was a deliberate demonstration of his identity as the promised Messiah, showing his disciples and the crowds that his kingship was unlike any earthly ruler.
This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just instructed his disciples to go fetch a donkey and its colt, promising that they'll be given freely if questioned. As the disciples bring the animals and place their garments on them for Jesus to ride, the crowd begins to gather and spread their own garments and branches in the road, shouting praises. This whole sequence of events, from the fetching of the donkey to the adoring crowd, is presented by Matthew as a deliberate fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
Ever wonder why Jesus bothered with such a specific, almost humble entrance into Jerusalem? It wasn't just a symbolic act; it was a divine appointment.
Matthew 21:4 is crystal clear: Jesus' actions weren't spontaneous. They were designed to fulfill ancient prophecies. This isn't about Jesus just happening to fit the script; it's about God orchestrating events to reveal His Son as the promised Messiah.
Divine Design, Not Coincidence
The prophecy, primarily from Zechariah 9:9, described a king coming in meekness, riding on a donkey. This was a stark contrast to the powerful, war-horse-riding monarchs of the day. Jesus' choice of a donkey's colt wasn't due to a lack of options, but a deliberate act to embody this specific prophetic picture.
Identifying the True King
By meticulously fulfilling these prophecies, Jesus provided undeniable proof of His identity. For those who knew the Scriptures, His entrance was a clear sign: this was the King they had been waiting for. It was God's way of saying, 'Look closely, this is Him.'
Jesus rode into Jerusalem not on a warhorse, but on a donkey. Was this a sign of weakness, or something much more profound?
The prophecy Jesus fulfilled speaks of a king who is 'meek' and 'sitting on a donkey.' This wasn't about Jesus being weak or lacking authority. Instead, it revealed a different kind of power.
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Power in Peace, Not Pomp
Earthly kings often demonstrated their power through military might, elaborate processions, and symbols of conquest. Jesus, however, entered as a King of Peace. His meekness wasn't about deficiency; it was a deliberate choice to embody a kingdom not of this world – a kingdom characterized by humility, service, and salvation, not by force and domination.
A King for All People
This humble entrance signaled that Jesus’ reign wasn't about political power or earthly glory. It was about offering salvation and establishing a kingdom that could be embraced by everyone, regardless of their social standing. The colt, never ridden before, symbolized something new and pure being brought into service for this unique King.
Understand the original words
prophētēs · Greek Noun
One who speaks on behalf of God, conveying divine revelation to His people. Their words are considered authoritative and often point toward the coming Messiah.
This event wasn't just a spontaneous procession; Jesus intentionally orchestrated His entry into Jerusalem, directly fulfilling ancient prophecies about the Messiah's humble kingship, thereby signaling His divine authority to those who understood the Scriptures.
c. 520 BC
Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls
Following the return from Babylonian exile, Nehemiah led the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. This event marked a significant period of rebuilding and hope for the Jewish people.
c. 520-480 BC
Prophetic Ministry of Zechariah
Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period, encouraging the returnees and offering visions of future restoration and the coming Messiah.
c. 480 BC
Zechariah's prophecy of the King
Zechariah's prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) describes the coming king of Zion who would be righteous, have salvation, be humble, and ride on a donkey colt.
c. 150 BC - 30 AD
Second Temple Period
The period spanning the rebuilding of the Temple after the exile until its destruction by the Romans. This era saw various political shifts and messianic expectations.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus, aware of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, deliberately entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey colt, fulfilling Zechariah's prediction and presenting Himself as the promised King.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Following His entry, Jesus' ministry intensified, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection, solidifying His role as the suffering Servant and victorious King.
This is the primary Old Testament prophecy that Matthew 21:4 is fulfilling, describing the Messiah's humble and peaceful arrival on a donkey.
Isaiah 62:11This passage contains a similar call to announce the coming of salvation to Zion, which is often woven into the fulfillment narrative with Zechariah 9:9.
John 12:14-16This passage from John's Gospel describes the same event and explicitly states that the disciples did not understand the significance of Jesus riding the donkey until after his resurrection, highlighting the prophetic fulfillment aspect mentioned in Matthew.
Psalm 118:25-26The cry of 'Hosanna' used by the crowd during Jesus' triumphal entry is directly quoted from this psalm, showing the Messianic expectation the people had, which Jesus was now fulfilling.
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…
clarkeMatthew 21:4: "All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,"
All this was done - The word all, in this clause, is omitted by some MSS., versions, and fathers. Which was spoken - The Spirit of God, which predicted those things that concerned the Messiah, took care to have them literally fulfilled: 1. To show the truth of prophecy in general; and, 2. To designate Christ as the person intended by that prophecy. See the note on Matthew 2:23.
It's easy to see this as just Matthew ticking off a prophecy, but the verse highlights that Jesus intentionally orchestrated these events precisely to fulfill scripture. This wasn't an accidental coincidence; it was a deliberate demonstration of his identity as the promised Messiah, showing his disciples and the crowds that his kingship was unlike any earthly ruler.
Jesus has just instructed his disciples to go fetch a donkey and its colt, promising that they'll be given freely if questioned. As the disciples bring the animals and place their garments on them for Jesus to ride, the crowd begins to gather and spread their own garments and branches in the road, shouting praises. This whole sequence of events, from the fetching of the donkey to the adoring crowd, is presented by Matthew as a deliberate fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
Jesus has just instructed his disciples to go fetch a donkey and its colt, promising that they'll be given freely if questioned. As the disciples bring the animals and place their garments on them for Jesus to ride, the crowd begins to gather and spread their own garments and branches in the road, shouting praises. This whole sequence of events, from the fetching of the donkey to the adoring crowd, is presented by Matthew as a deliberate fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
"This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying," — It's easy to see this as just Matthew ticking off a prophecy, but the verse highlights that Jesus intentionally orchestrated these events precisely to fulfill scripture. This wasn't an accidental…
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Last reviewed October 2026