Book of Matthew - Chapter 21 - Verse 1

When Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they stopped at Bethphage, near the Mount of Olives. It was at this point that Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead to make preparations for his entry into the city. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which is celebrated by Christians as Palm Sunday. The Mount of Olives holds great significance in Christian tradition as the place where Jesus ascended to heaven after his resurrection. The sending of the disciples ahead can be seen as a deliberate act by Jesus to fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah, which foretold that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. By sending two disciples to retrieve a donkey, Jesus was demonstrating his authority and fulfilling the prophecies about the coming of the Messiah.

Interpreting the verse "And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples," involves examining the geographical and historical context. Bethphage was a village located on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem. This location holds significance as it was believed to be the place where Jesus instructed his disciples to fetch a donkey for his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, as described in the following verses. Additionally, the mention of the Mount of Olives highlights the prophetic significance of this event, as it was a location associated with messianic expectations in the Old Testament.

Furthermore, a word study of "disciples" in this context can shed light on the relationship between Jesus and his followers. The term "disciples" refers to those who not only believed in Jesus but also committed themselves to following his teachings and carrying out his mission. By sending two disciples ahead of him, Jesus demonstrated his authority and the obedience of his followers to his commands. This act of delegation also reflects the trust and partnership that Jesus had with his disciples, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their relationship.