What is the meaning of Matthew 21:6?

So

• “So” ties verse 6 to Jesus’ clear instructions in verses 2-3. The word signals an immediate, unbroken response—no delay, no debate (cf. Matthew 4:20; Genesis 12:4, “So Abram departed, as the LORD had instructed him”; John 2:5).

• Scripture presents obedience as the proper pivot between God’s command and human action (James 1:22). Here, the hinge swings smoothly—exactly the pattern the Lord still seeks from us.

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the disciples went

• Obedience begins with movement. They left the Mount of Olives and stepped toward the village, demonstrating faith in Christ’s authority (Matthew 21:1; Mark 16:15).

• Going often precedes understanding. They had no donkey yet, but they trusted the outcome to Jesus (Hebrews 11:8; Luke 9:60).

• Our own discipleship mirrors this rhythm: hear, rise, go. When Christ says “Go,” lingering is disobedience by another name (John 14:31).

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and did

• The phrase highlights completion, not mere intention. They finished what they started (John 14:15; Exodus 40:16).

• Partial obedience is disobedience; the disciples carried out every detail, from untying the colt to bringing it to Jesus (Acts 26:19).

• Obedience produces results that align with prophecy—here, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9 (Matthew 21:4-5).

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as Jesus had directed them

• The benchmark for obedience is not preference or tradition but the specific word of Christ (John 15:14; Deuteronomy 5:33).

• Jesus’ directions carry divine authority (Matthew 28:18-20). By following them exactly, the disciples affirmed His messianic kingship.

• Their example invites us to measure our actions by His commands recorded in Scripture, confident that His word is both trustworthy and sufficient (Psalm 19:7-8).

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summary

Matthew 21:6 shows obedience in motion: the disciples immediately move, completely act, and precisely follow Jesus’ instructions. Their swift, full response underscores that true discipleship embraces Christ’s authority without hesitation, carries out His commands without alteration, and trusts His purposes without reservation.