What is the meaning of Matthew 21:18? In the morning • Matthew 21:18 opens with the simple phrase, “In the morning,” anchoring the account in real time. Jesus had spent the previous night in Bethany (Matthew 21:17), and daylight brings a fresh scene. • Scripture often highlights significant moments that happen early in the day—times when God’s people seek Him and carry out His purposes. Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice.” Mark 1:35 shows Jesus Himself rising “very early in the morning” to pray. • The literal note of dawn reminds us that God is involved in the routine rhythm of life. His plans unfold in ordinary hours, underscoring His sovereignty over every moment. as Jesus was returning to the city • “The city” refers to Jerusalem, where Jesus had just made His triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-11) and cleansed the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). Now He is walking back, likely along the familiar road from Bethany. • Each step is deliberate. Zechariah 9:9 had foretold the King’s entrance, and Jesus is fulfilling that prophecy in full view of the people. The return journey emphasizes His continual mission focus—He does not linger in comfort but heads straight back to the place of confrontation and redemption. • Luke 9:51 reminds us that Jesus “resolutely set His face to go to Jerusalem,” and here we see that determination still on display the very next morning. He was hungry • The statement “He was hungry” underscores Christ’s true humanity. Matthew 4:2 records that after forty days of fasting, “He was hungry,” and John 4:6 notes that He grew weary by a well. • Hebrews 4:15 affirms that Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin.” Real fatigue and real hunger show that our Savior fully entered our experience. • This hunger also sets the stage for the fig tree event that follows (Matthew 21:19-22). His physical need becomes an opportunity to teach a spiritual lesson about fruitfulness and faith—paralleling Old Testament warnings such as Micah 7:1-2, where a barren fig tree symbolizes unfaithful Israel. summary Matthew 21:18 presents a literal snapshot of Jesus on a fresh morning, walking the road back to Jerusalem and experiencing genuine human hunger. Each detail carries meaning: the early hour reminds us of divine purpose unfolding in everyday time; the journey to the city highlights Christ’s unwavering resolve to complete His mission; and His hunger confirms His full humanity while preparing us for the fig tree lesson that follows. Together these elements affirm the trustworthiness of Scripture and point us to a Savior who is both sovereign Lord and sympathetic High Priest. |
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