“And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.”– Matthew 21:3 (KJV)
“If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”– Matthew 21:3 (NLT)
“If anyone asks what you’re doing, say, ‘The Master needs them.’ He will send them with you.”– Matthew 21:3 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 21:3 Mean?
Matthew 21:3 is an important verse found in the Gospel of Matthew, which tells us a lot about Jesus and His authority. In the context of His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, this verse reveals Jesus’s instructions to His disciples about acquiring a donkey and a colt for Him to ride on. The command shows not just His foreknowledge but also how He fulfills the prophetic words regarding the coming of the Messiah. In Zechariah 9:9, we see prophecies suggesting that the Messiah would come riding on a donkey, a symbol of peace rather than a war horse.
This passage carries a significant weight as it highlights the tact and authority with which Jesus operated during His ministry. He sent His disciples with definitive instructions on what to say if confronted about taking the animals. This denotes that Jesus always had a plan. He wasn’t just wandering aimlessly, but each action was deliberate and purposeful, demonstrating His sovereignty not only over people but also over creation itself. As we read further, we see that the owners of the animals allowed the disciples to take them just as Jesus had said, reinforcing His authority.
Matthew 21:3 Explanation and Commentary
When we explore this verse further, we recognize that it also teaches us about the nature of obedience. The disciples, following Jesus’s instructions, went to search for the donkey and the colt. It shows us the importance of trusting in the words of the Lord. When instructed, they did not hesitate but promptly executed the task given to them. This level of faith exemplifies what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Moreover, we see how Jesus’s authority extends to the control He has over circumstances. By prophesying the encounter that would take place regarding the owners of the animals, He demonstrated a divine understanding of both human hearts and the unfolding of events. The sentence, “The Lord has need of them,” shows us a profound truth — that God often needs us and our resources for His purposes. God can use anything and anyone, as long as we are willing to submit to His will.
This part of the Bible highlights the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem in a humble fashion, riding on donkeys rather than in a grandiose manner which a king typically would. This symbolizes His approach to leadership and His purpose as the Messiah. Being the king of peace, He was demonstrating humility rather than a quest for political power. Understanding this truth helps us approach our Christian lives with a sense of humility and a desire to serve others.
In essence, Matthew 21:3 represents Jesus’s ability to orchestrate events for His glory and our good, stressing how He uses the simple things in life. The call for each of us is to recognize what is needed and, like the disciples, to respond with readiness and obedience.
Context of Matthew 21:3
As we delve into the context of Matthew 21:3, we realize that it is situated right before Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, an event traditionally celebrated as Palm Sunday. This moment is crucial in Christianity because it marks the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of the final week leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Leading up to this moment, Jesus had performed numerous miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and teaching with authority. Many people had already started to follow Him, and the miracles had stirred a mix of admiration and opposition. As He approached Jerusalem, He was aware of the impending struggle He would face, yet He continued His mission with courage and determination.
In the atmosphere of excitement, Jesus instructed two of His disciples to go into the village to fetch the donkey and the colt. This specific request reveals His knowledge of what was necessary for the fulfillment of Scripture. The disciples’ readiness to comply reflected their trust in Jesus’s authority, a testament to their growing understanding of who He was.
It’s significant to note the reaction of the crowds when Jesus entered Jerusalem. They laid their cloaks on the ground and waved palm branches, heralding Him as their king. The mixture of jubilation and the cries for salvation from the people signified their hope in the Messiah. Yet, it also foreshadowed the challenges that awaited Him, as not everyone in Jerusalem was ready to accept Him as the real King. Jesus entering amidst praise with a simple offer of peace speaks volumes about His character and mission.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 21:3
There are several key elements to focus on in Matthew 21:3 that reveal deeper meanings. The phrase “The Lord has need of them” isn’t simply a statement; it carries weight. It illustrates how Jesus claims authority, signaling the moment when He asserts His role as the obedient servant of God, ready to fulfill God’s plan.
The mention of “them” refers to both the donkey and the colt, emphasizing Christ’s humble entrance into Jerusalem. He chose to ride on animals that signified peace, contrasting greatly with the symbols of war that were often used by conquering kings. Instead of choosing a powerful stallion, Jesus opted for gentle creatures. This signifies not only humility but also His intimate connection with humanity. He relates to us in our struggles and walks a path of peace instead of conflict.
We also see a sense of community within this verse. When the disciples were instructed to say, “The Lord has need of them,” it highlights the idea that they were acting as ambassadors of Christ. They were becoming the vessels through which Jesus’s message was being communicated. This is a calling for all of us in our Christian faith to recognize that God may ask for our time, resources, and talents, and we should be ready to respond.
This verse encapsulates the very heart of discipleship. When we receive instructions from God, just as the disciples did, we are called to act. Our willingness to follow His leading can have a significant impact in the lives of others as we serve His purposes in our own situation. Just like how every single detail in Jesus’s entry was significant, every part of our lives can be used by God if we make ourselves available to Him.
In summary, Matthew 21:3 emphasizes a position of trust, obedience, and the humble approach Jesus embodies as He fulfills God’s plans. As followers of Christ, let us contemplate our role and be willing to respond accordingly when we feel God calling us to serve or act.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 21:3
From Matthew 21:3, there are several lessons we can take away to apply in our daily lives. The first is the importance of obedience. Just as the disciples followed Jesus’s command without hesitation, we too should strive to respond to God’s call in our lives. Whether it is serving others, sharing the gospel, or simply being there for someone in need, we can learn to say “yes” to His leading.
Another essential lesson is about the nature of Christ’s character. He chooses to come in humility rather than power. This teaches us that we should also embrace humility in our lives. We should not seek positions of power or importance, but rather aim to serve others and cultivate a spirit of love and kindness. In our actions, we can reflect the nature of Christ by being gentle and approachable.
Additionally, we are reminded of God’s purpose in our lives. When we hear the phrase “The Lord has need of them,” we ought to reflect on how God may want to use us. Everyone has gifts and talents that God can utilize for His glory. We are valuable in the kingdom of God, and when we recognize our worth, we can truly begin to serve out of love. Allowing ourselves to be used by God brings richness to life, as we witness His work unfold through us.
A practical takeaway is to remain watchful and ready. The disciples were immediately responsive when they were called. Likewise, we can cultivate attentiveness to God’s voice as we seek to grow spiritually. Through prayer and studying the Bible, we can prepare ourselves to be responsive to His wishes.
Finally, let us find joy in serving. The eventual triumphal entry was filled with praises and joy. When we act in obedience and service, there is fulfillment that accompanies it. Serving others can uplift our spirits and create connections that glorify God. Aim to carry a joyful heart, sharing Christ’s love and light to everyone we meet.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 21:3 is not just a simple narrative about Jesus’s instructions; it contains rich insights that can challenge and encourage us. This passage reflects the heart of Jesus—the willingness to serve, the call to obedience, and the peace He brings. As we think about our role in His story, let us be inspired to trust Him fully and recognize the purpose He has for each of us. We can learn through this incident the beauty of responding faithfully when He calls.
As we move forward, let’s carry with us a sense of readiness to fulfill God’s will in our lives. May we be like the disciples, swiftly acting in trust, knowing that God can work through us in extraordinary ways. If you feel led to explore more about faith, consider checking out Matthew 11 or learn about other important sections in Genesis. Each passage carries lessons and insights that can enrich our understanding of God’s intentions for our lives.