Meaning of Matthew 21:10

The entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, as described in Matthew 21:10, marks a pivotal moment of public revelation and widespread curiosity, igniting a fervent question throughout the city: "Who is this?" This question arises not from a vacuum but from a context of fervent anticipation and the dramatic unfolding of prophetic events. The populace, having heard of Jesus' miracles and teachings, and now witnessing the spectacle of his triumphal entry, is genuinely perplexed and intrigued by this figure who commands such attention and elicits such varied reactions. The immediate impact is a city-wide commotion, a collective pause and questioning of identity, highlighting the profound disruption Jesus' presence introduced into the established social and religious order.

Context and Background

This verse immediately follows Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, an event deliberately orchestrated by Jesus to fulfill Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and to make a public declaration of his messianic identity. The crowds, familiar with his ministry in Galilee and having recently witnessed the resurrection of Lazarus, were in a state of heightened expectation. They had seen his power and heard his teachings, but the nature of his kingship was not what they, or many in Jerusalem's leadership, anticipated. The "stirring" of the city signifies a disruption of the ordinary, a ripple effect of divine action that penetrates the urban fabric.

Key Themes and Messages

The central theme is divine revelation and human response. Jesus, by his actions, is revealing himself, and the city's question, "Who is this?", represents the spectrum of human reaction to this revelation: bewilderment, curiosity, awe, and perhaps even apprehension. It underscores the idea that Jesus is not an ordinary figure; his identity is complex and demands an answer. The verse also highlights the public nature of Jesus' ministry at this point, moving from more localized teaching to a grand, public demonstration in the nation's capital.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The question "Who is this?" echoes throughout history and remains relevant for individuals today. It calls for a personal engagement with Jesus' identity. Are we content with superficial knowledge, or do we seek to understand him deeply as the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and the Savior? The spiritual application lies in the ongoing quest for Christological understanding. It challenges us to move beyond mere observation of religious phenomena to a personal confession of faith based on a genuine understanding of who Jesus is.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a climactic fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's arrival in Jerusalem. It directly sets the stage for the events of Passion Week: Jesus' cleansing of the Temple, his confrontations with religious leaders, and ultimately, his crucifixion and resurrection. The city's questioning is a microcosm of the broader debate and division Jesus' ministry created, foreshadowing the rejection by some and the acceptance by others, all of which are integral to the redemptive plan.

Analogies

One could compare the city's reaction to a sudden, unexpected eruption of a powerful natural phenomenon – a volcano or a meteor shower. People are stunned, bewildered, and immediately ask, "What is happening? What is this?" Or, imagine a renowned artist unveiling a groundbreaking, revolutionary piece of art that challenges all previous conventions. The art world, and the public, would be abuzz, asking, "Who created this? What does it mean?" Similarly, Jesus’ entry was a divine unveiling that demanded a response.

Relation to Other Verses

• Zechariah 9:9: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king is coming to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This prophecy directly informs the context of Jesus' entry and the expectation it generated.
• John 12:17-19: This parallel account in John describes the crowd's reaction, noting that "many people who were there heard him raise Lazarus from the dead and began to spread the<bos>." This highlights the miraculous backdrop to the city's excitement.
• Philippians 2:9-11: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The question "Who is this?" is the initial step towards the eventual acknowledgment described here.