Matthew 21:5

Commentary on Matthew 21:5

“Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, gentle, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

This verse is set within the broader narrative of Matthew 21, which recounts Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem—a pivotal moment where prophecy meets the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. In framing this event, consistently underlines two primary truths: the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His Word and the countercultural character of Christ’s kingship.

Historical and Prophetic Context

Matthew 21:5 directly quotes from Zechariah 9:9, thereby affirming Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who comes not with earthly pomp but with divine humility. The language addressed to “the daughter of Zion” calls the people of Jerusalem—and by extension, the faithful community—to recognise a king whose way is marked by gentleness rather than might. This is not a concession to weakness but as the deliberate self-emptying of Christ, who chooses the lowliness of a donkey (and its colt) to symbolise a radically counter-cultural kind of authority. This fulfilment of prophecy underscores the inerrancy of Scripture: God’s plan is not subject to human ambition but unfolds in the most unexpected forms of grace.

The Choice of the Donkey: A Symbol of Humble Kingship

In the ancient Near Eastern context, a war horse would have been the vehicle of a conquering, militaristic king. By contrast, the donkey—especially a colt that had never borne a rider—symbolises peace, humility, and a deliberate renunciation of typical worldly authority. This detail is central. It teaches that Christ’s authority is not demonstrated through force or political ambition, but through gentle, servant leadership that subverts the ideals of earthly power. This overturning of worldly expectations invites believers to re-examine what it means to lead and be led in a community founded on God’s sovereign grace.

The Implications for Modern Christian Living

Matthew 21:5 offers a timeless challenge to modern believers. In a world where power is often equated with prominence and success, Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem radically redefines what it means to be a king—and by extension, a follower of Christ. As Christians, our calling is to exhibit the same spirit of servant leadership demonstrated by Christ. This means:

Embracing Humility: In our personal and communal lives, we are called to prioritise service, sacrificial love, and meekness over the pursuit of worldly distinction. Just as Christ did not clamour for human accolades, neither should we seek the temporary applause of society.

Trusting in God’s Sovereign Plan: The fulfilment of prophecy through Jesus’ gentle entry reminds modern believers that God’s ways are not the ways of the world. Even when public opinion wavers—as it did when the same crowds later cried “Crucify Him!”—God’s promises remain unshakeable.

Adopting Servant Leadership: Drawing from the teaching that “whoever desires to become great must be your servant” (see Matthew 20:26), Christians are encouraged to lead by example in humility rather than by coercion or ambition.

These principles not only challenge us to examine our motives but also invite us to experience God’s redemptive work in every aspect of our lives. They are a call to mirror Jesus’ melee countercultural approach in a society that prizes assertiveness and self-promotion over self-sacrifice.

The commentary on Matthew 21:5 often highlights the dual themes of divine kingship and servant humility. The emphasis is on Scripture as the infallible guide by which all things are measured. This lens reinforces that Jesus’ actions are not circumstantial but are deliberate, prophetic, and laden with eternal significance. The act of riding on a donkey symbolises a kingdom where power is redefined. It is a kingdom built not on military dominance or transient accolades but on the steadfast and gracious rule of God.

Furthermore, this humble entry prefigures the nature of the church itself—a community called to be salt and light in a darkened world, ever ready to serve rather than to lord it over others. In doing so, believers are reminded that the true measure of a leader’s worth is found in their willingness to lay down their life for their neighbours, much as Christ did on the cross.

Teaching from Matthew 21:5

The clear teaching from Matthew 21:5 is that the true King—Christ—is characterised by gentle authority and servant leadership. He comes to redeem not by force, but by fulfilling the promise of salvation through a path marked by humility and submission. For modern believers, this means that following Christ involves rejecting worldly exhibits of power and status. Instead, it calls for a radical, countercultural embrace of service, truth, and the assurance that God’s sovereign plan transcends human expectations.

By reflecting on this passage, Christians are encouraged to adopt an attitude that prioritises the needs of others, trusts wholly in God’s redemptive purposes, and finds true strength in meekness—reminding us that the greatness of the Kingdom of God is measured not by worldly achievements, but by heart and character anchored in divine grace.

This exposition invites every believer to reflect on the transformative power of Christ’s humble kingship—a model that continues to shape and define authentic, Christian living.