Matthew 21:1-11 - The Triumphal Entry

¹ They were near Jerusalem at Bethphage. Jesus sent two disciples to the Mount of Olives. ² He told them, Go to the nearby town and look for a donkey with a cord around her neck. There will be a young one with her. Turn them loose and bring them to me. ³ Tell anyone who asks, 'The Lord needs them,' and right away he will allow them to go.

⁴ This took place so that the words of the prophet might come true:

⁵ Say to the daughter of Zion, 'See, your King comes to you, humble, and seated on a donkey, a colt, the offspring of a beast of burden.'

⁶ So the disciples did as Jesus commanded. ⁷ They got the donkey and the young one, and laid their clothing on them. And he sat on the clothing. ⁸ Most of the people spread their garments on the road. Others took branches from the trees and put them on the road. ⁹ Those going ahead of him and following him shouted praise: Glory to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of Jehovah! Glory in the highest! (Psalms 118:26)

¹⁰ When he came to Jerusalem, the people were excited. They asked: Who is this? ¹¹ Other people said: This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.

¹ They came close to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives. He appointed two of his disciples to ² go into the village that is nearby. As soon as you enter it you will find a colt tied there. No man has ever sat on that colt. Untie him and bring him. ³ If any one questions why you do this say: 'The Lord has need of him.' Immediately he will send it here.

⁴ They found a colt tied at the door in the open street and they untied it. ⁵ Those who stood there asked why are you untying the colt? ⁶ They told them what Jesus said and they let them go. ⁷ The colt was brought to Jesus. They laid their garments on him and Jesus sat on him.

⁸ Many spread their garments along the way. Others spread branches, which they cut from the fields. ⁹ Those who led the way and those who followed cried: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in Jehovah's name! (Psalm 118:26) ¹⁰ Blessed is the coming kingdom, the kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the highest!

¹¹ He entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. When evening came he went with the twelve to Bethany.'

²⁸ After Jesus spoke he went to Jerusalem. ²⁹ When he came close to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples. ³⁰ He told them, Go into the nearby village. You will find a colt tied. No man has ever sat on him. Untie him and bring him to me. ³¹ If any one asks why you untied him say the Lord needs him.

³² They left and found things to be as he said. ³³ The owners found them when they untied the colt and asked why do you untie the colt?

³⁴ They said: The Lord needs him. ³⁵ They brought him to Jesus. Then they threw their garments on the colt and Jesus sat on him. ³⁶ As he went, they spread their garments in the way. ³⁷ He was near the descent of the Mount of Olives. The entire crowd of disciples rejoiced and praised God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen.

³⁸ They said: Blessed is the King that comes in the name of Jehovah! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven! (Psalms 118:26; 134:3)

³⁹ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, Teacher, rebuke your disciples.

⁴⁰ He answered: I tell you if these remain quiet the stones will cry out!

¹² The next day a great crowd came to the feast. They heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. ¹³ They took palm branches and met him. They cried out, Hosanna: Blessed is he who comes in the name of Jehovah, even the King of Israel! (Psalm 118:26)

¹⁴ Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it just as it is written: ¹⁵ Do not fear daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes sitting on a donkey's colt. (Zechariah 9:9)

¹⁶ His disciples did not understand these things at first. However when Jesus was glorified they remembered the things that were written about him. They also remembered the things that had been done to him. ¹⁷ The crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, gave witness. ¹⁸ For this reason also the crowd met him, for they heard that he had performed this miracle.

¹⁹ The Pharisees spoke among themselves: You see that you are not accomplishing anything. Look the world has gone after him.