Chapter

Matthew 21:1

ESV Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
NIV As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples,
NASB When they had approached Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples,
CSB When they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus then sent two disciples,
NLT As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead.
KJV And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

What does Matthew 21:1 mean?

Jesus and His disciples have been making their way from Galilee to Jerusalem. He has told them that in Jerusalem He will be delivered into the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, turned over to the Gentiles, and crucified, adding that He will be raised on the third day (Matthew 16:21; 17:22; 20:18–19). Now they have nearly arrived at the city.

The previous chapter ended with Jesus and the disciples near Jericho, about a fifteen-mile walk from Jerusalem on a Roman military road that rises about 3,000 feet in elevation. The road was likely crowded with others coming to Jerusalem for the Passover, as well as those who were specifically following Jesus. Bethphage was about a mile from Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives.

Jesus selects two of the disciples to go into a nearby village and bring Him an animal to ride into the city (Matthew 21:2).
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What is the Gospel?
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