Matthew 21:1-17

With the finish in sight Jesus entered Jerusalem and cleansed the temple Matthew 21:1-17: One of the great statements from this section concerned the donkey and colt, "The Lord has need of them." Your hands, your eyes, your feet, and your heart -- "the Lord has need of them!" Another great statement that was made in connection with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem from Bethany (Bethphage) is "So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them." (Matthew 21:6) Just think what could happen today if we would go and do as the Master commanded? Jesus was welcomed to Jerusalem with the words of Psalms 118:26. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." The people shouted "Hosanna" (Save us now!) Christ came as the Prince of peace to conquer the hearts of the humble.

Jesus drove out those that bought and sold in God's sacred place (the Temple). He said, "It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." (Matthew 21:13) Jesus was angry with those that exploited their fellow human beings. No doubt the heart of God grieves today at the much exploitation of men by their fellow men. Jesus drove out the guilty while the needy remained and received His help. "Then the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and He healed them." (Matthew 21:14) It is of vital interest to notice that even at this point in Jesus' life children are still involved. "Do You hear what these are saying? And Jesus said to them, yes. Have you never read, out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise?" (Matthew 21:16)