Matthew 21:7
They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While it mentions both the mother donkey and her colt, the text subtly highlights that Jesus sat on the garments spread over them, not just the animals themselves. This emphasizes the disciples' immediate, tangible act of honor, turning everyday clothes into a royal carpet for their King. It shows a deep reverence that elevates the ordinary in honor of Christ.
Jesus, nearing Jerusalem, sends his disciples to retrieve a donkey and its colt. They are to bring them to him, using only the excuse that "the Lord has need of them" if questioned. This act fulfills a prophecy about a king arriving meekly, and as Jesus mounts the colt, disciples and a crowd begin to spread their cloaks and cut branches, shouting praises.
Why did Jesus choose such a humble entrance into Jerusalem? It wasn't just about making an entrance; it was about fulfilling a very specific prophecy.
Jesus deliberately chose to enter Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. This wasn't a king arriving with military might and worldly splendor.
A Counter-Cultural King
Imagine being told to 'borrow' an animal. How does Jesus' simple request reveal so much about his authority and his followers' trust?
The way Jesus obtained the donkey and colt is a powerful lesson in divine authority and human obedience.
The Lord's Need
Understand the original words
onos · Greek Noun
A beast of burden often used in ancient Israel; in this context, it symbolizes the humility and peaceable nature of the coming King as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9.
Jesus' deliberate choice to ride a donkey's colt into Jerusalem, as prophesied, was a powerful statement. It directly contrasted with the pomp of earthly kings and highlighted that his kingdom was not of this world, even as crowds hailed him as King.
c. 740 BC
Zechariah prophesies the King's arrival
The prophet Zechariah records a prophecy that the future King of Israel will come to Jerusalem riding on a donkey and its colt, emphasizing meekness rather than military might.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people mark a period of national humiliation and loss of sovereignty, making the idea of a restored kingdom and king a poignant hope.
c. 516 BC
Return from Exile
After decades in Babylon, a remnant of the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, symbolizing a partial restoration of their national and religious life.
c. AD 30— this verse
Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a borrowed colt, fulfilling Zechariah's prophecy. His followers spread their cloaks and cut branches, hailing him as King, while religious leaders watch with disapproval.
This passage directly prophesies the event of the King arriving on a donkey and colt, highlighting the fulfillment of ancient words in Jesus' actions.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice, paralleling how Jesus' disciples obeyed His unusual command, showing that obedience is a key aspect of discipleship.
2 Kings 9:13This passage describes how Jehu was honored by having garments spread before him, showing a historical parallel of expressing great respect and honor through clothing, which the disciples echoed for Jesus.
John 12:14-15This parallel account in John's Gospel reinforces the detail of Jesus riding on a colt, underscoring the deliberate choice of this humble mount to fulfill prophecy.
Philippians 2:7-8This passage describes Christ emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant, which perfectly aligns with Jesus choosing a humble entrance into Jerusalem on a colt rather than a royal chariot.
vincentMatthew 21:7: "And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon."
Set him thereonBut the preferable reading is ἐπεκάθισεν, he took his seat upon.A very great multitude (ὁ πλεῖστος ὄχλος)The A. V. is wrong. The reference is not to the size, but to the proportionate part of the multitude which followed him. Hence Rev., correctly, The most part of the multitude.Their garments (ἑαυτῶν)Lit., "their own garments." The disciples spread their garments o…
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…
While it mentions both the mother donkey and her colt, the text subtly highlights that Jesus sat on the garments spread over them, not just the animals themselves. This emphasizes the disciples' immediate, tangible act of honor, turning everyday clothes into a royal carpet for their King. It shows a deep reverence that elevates the ordinary in honor of Christ.
Jesus, nearing Jerusalem, sends his disciples to retrieve a donkey and its colt. They are to bring them to him, using only the excuse that "the Lord has need of them" if questioned. This act fulfills a prophecy about a king arriving meekly, and as Jesus mounts the colt, disciples and a crowd begin to spread their cloaks and cut branches, shouting praises.
Jesus, nearing Jerusalem, sends his disciples to retrieve a donkey and its colt. They are to bring them to him, using only the excuse that "the Lord has need of them" if questioned. This act fulfills a prophecy about a king arriving meekly, and as Jesus mounts the colt, disciples and a crowd begin to spread their cloaks and cut branches, shouting praises.
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The 'trappings' for this royal entrance weren't gold and jewels, but something far more ordinary. What does this reveal about the nature of Jesus' reign?
The description of the disciples putting their own garments on the donkey and colt is a poignant detail that underscores the humility of Jesus' kingship.
Garments as Trappings
AD 30
Jesus is crucified
Despite the public acclamation, the religious and political powers condemn Jesus. He is crucified, a stark contrast to the earthly kingship the crowds may have imagined.
"They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them." — While it mentions both the mother donkey and her colt, the text subtly highlights that Jesus sat on the garments spread over them, not just the animals themselves. This emphasizes the disciples' im…
