What is the meaning of Matthew 21:11? The crowds replied • Matthew 21:11: “The crowds replied…” • These were the same multitudes who had just spread their cloaks and palm branches (Matthew 21:8-9; cf. Zechariah 9:9). • Their response becomes public testimony in Jerusalem at the start of Passion Week (Luke 19:37-40). • God often uses “crowds” to bear witness—even imperfectly—so that the city must reckon with Christ (John 12:17-19). This is Jesus • “Jesus” means “Yahweh saves” (Matthew 1:21). • The people identify a real, historical person—not an idea or myth—who has been healing, teaching, and fulfilling prophecy before their eyes (Matthew 4:23-24; 11:4-5). • By naming Him, the crowd distinguishes Him from every other teacher arriving for Passover. the prophet • Many recognized Him as the promised “prophet like Moses” (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22-23). • Earlier crowds had said, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14). • Bullet point reminders: - He speaks God’s words with authority (Matthew 7:29). - He foretells coming judgment on unfruitful Israel (Matthew 21:19; 24:1-2). - Yet He is more than a prophet—He is also Messiah and Son of God (Matthew 16:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2). • The title shows partial insight; full revelation will come through the cross and resurrection (Matthew 27:54; 28:5-6). from Nazareth • Nazareth was an obscure village (John 1:46), fulfilling “He will be called a Nazarene” (Matthew 2:23). • God delights to bring greatness out of seeming insignificance (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • This earthly origin grounds Jesus in real geography and fulfills messianic expectation of humble beginnings (Isaiah 53:2). in Galilee • Galilee, “Galilee of the Gentiles,” had long been a region of mixed populations (Isaiah 9:1-2; Matthew 4:13-16). • By rooting His ministry there, Jesus shines light first where darkness was thickest, previewing the gospel going to all nations (Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:37-38). • Jerusalem’s elite often looked down on Galilee (John 7:52), yet God honored it by launching salvation history from its hills. summary Matthew 21:11 shows the crowds giving their collective witness: “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” They recognize the man who entered Jerusalem on a donkey as the long-promised spokesman of God, though many still see only part of His glory. His humble origins (Nazareth) and northern ministry base (Galilee) fulfill prophecy and highlight God’s pattern of exalting the lowly. In affirming His identity, location, and prophetic role, the verse invites every listener to acknowledge the real, promised, saving King who now stands at the center of history. |
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