John Calvin Commentary Matthew 21:1

"And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and came unto Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples," — Matthew 21:1 (ASV)

Then Jesus sent two disciples. Jesus sends his disciples to bring an ass to him, not because he was tired from the journey, but for a different reason. For, because the time of his death was near, he intended to show, by a solemn performance, what the nature of his kingdom was. He had indeed begun to do this at his baptism, but it remained for this demonstration to be given by him towards the end of his calling. For why did he until now refrain from the title of King, and now at last openly declare himself to be a King, if not because he was near the end of his course?⁷¹⁰ So then, as his removal to heaven was near, he intended to begin his reign openly on earth.

This would have been a ridiculous display, if it had not been in accordance with the prediction of Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9). In order to lay claim to the honors of royalty, he enters Jerusalem, riding an ass. A magnificent display, truly! This was especially true since the ass was borrowed from someone, and when the lack of a saddle and of trappings compelled the disciples to throw their garments on it, which was a mark of lowly and shameful poverty.

He is attended, I admit, by a large retinue; but of what sort of people? Of those who had hastily assembled from the neighboring villages. Sounds of loud and joyful welcome are heard;⁷¹¹ but from whom? From the very poorest, and from those who belong to the despised multitude. One might think, therefore, that he intentionally exposed himself to the ridicule of all.

But as he had two things to do at the same time—as he had to exhibit some proof of his kingdom, and to show that it does not resemble earthly kingdoms and does not consist of the fading riches of this world—it was absolutely necessary for him to use this approach.

To the wicked, no doubt, this might be very unacceptable, had God not long before testified through his Prophet that such would be the king who would come to restore the salvation of his people.

Therefore, so that Christ’s humble appearance may not hinder us from perceiving his spiritual kingdom in this display,⁷¹² let us keep the heavenly prediction before our eyes. By this prediction, God conferred more honor on his Son under the revolting aspect of a beggar than if he had been adorned with all the dazzling ornaments of kings.

Without this seasoning, we will never have any true appreciation for this history. Therefore, there is great weight in Matthew’s words when he says that the prediction of the Prophet was fulfilled.⁷¹³ Perceiving that it was hardly possible for those who are too devoted to wealth and splendor to derive any benefit from this narrative when viewed according to the flesh, he leads them away from the mere contemplation of the event to the consideration of the prophecy.

⁷¹⁰ “Pource qu’il se voit estre bien pres du but de sa course;” — “because he sees that he is very near the end of his course.”;” — “because he sees that he is very near the end of his course.”

⁷¹¹ “Les voix retentissent pour luy faire honneur, et le recevoir en grande ioye et triomphe;” — “voices resound to do him honor, and to receive him in great joy and triumph.”;” — “voices resound to do him honor, and to receive him in great joy and triumph.”

⁷¹² “Sous la couverture des choses yci recitees;” — “under the disguise of the things here related.”;” — “under the disguise of the things here related.”

⁷¹³ “Quand il dit que tout cela se faisoit afin que ce qui avoit este dit loaf le Prophete fust accompli;” — “when he says that ” — “when he says that all this was done,, in order that what had been said by the Prophet might be fulfilled..”