Matthew 21:1–17

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

21 As they all approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage. It was on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent out two disciples. 2He said to them, “Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you will find a donkey tied up. Her colt will be with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them. The owner will send them right away.”

4This took place so that what was spoken through the prophet would come true. It says,

5 “Say to the city of Zion,

‘See, your king comes to you.

He is gentle and riding on a donkey.

He is riding on a donkey’s colt.’ ” (Zechariah 9:9)

6The disciples went and did what Jesus told them to do. 7They brought the donkey and the colt. They placed their coats on them. Then Jesus sat on the coats. 8A very large crowd spread their coats on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9Some of the people went ahead of him, and some followed. They all shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Psalm 118:26)

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

10When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up. The people asked, “Who is this?”

11The crowds answered, “This is Jesus. He is the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Jesus Clears Out the Temple

12Jesus entered the temple area. He began chasing out all those who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of the people who were exchanging money. He also turned over the benches of those who were selling doves. 13He said to them, “It is written that the Lord said, ‘My house will be called a house where people can pray.’ (Isaiah 56:7) But you are making it a ‘den for robbers.’ ” (Jeremiah 7:11)

14Blind people and those who were disabled came to Jesus at the temple. There he healed them. 15The chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did. They also saw the children in the temple area shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” But when they saw all of this, they became angry.

16“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.

“Yes,” replied Jesus. “Haven’t you ever read about it in Scripture? It says,

“ ‘You have made sure that children and infants

praise you.’ ” (Psalm 8:2)

17Then Jesus left the people and went out of the city to Bethany. He spent the night there.