Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 21:3

"And if any one say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them." — Matthew 21:3 (ASV)

The most natural way to take “Lord” here is Jesus’ way of referring to himself. This step is not out of keeping with the authority he has already claimed for himself and fits this late period of his ministry, when he revealed himself with increasing clarity (see comment on Mk 11:3).