When They Come Near Jerusalem at Bethphage What Does Jesus Send Two Disciples to Bring to Him?

When Jesus and his disciples came near Jerusalem at Bethphage, Jesus sent two of his disciples ahead to bring something to him. This story is recorded in the Bible in the book of Matthew, chapter 21, verses 1-11.

According to the text, Jesus instructed his disciples saying, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me.” (Matthew 21:2)

This instruction from Jesus may seem odd at first glance—why did he need a donkey and a colt? However, this seemingly strange request was actually a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy.

In verse 5 of Matthew 21, it is written: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.'” This prophecy is found in Zechariah 9:9 and was seen as referring to the coming Messiah.

By riding on a donkey and her colt into Jerusalem as he did later in this chapter (verse 7), Jesus was symbolically fulfilling this prophecy and announcing himself as the Messiah.

Furthermore, sending two disciples ahead to retrieve these animals demonstrates Jesus’ divine knowledge. He knew exactly where they would be located without prior communication or arrangements. This further solidifies his status as the Son of God.

In conclusion, when Jesus came near Jerusalem at Bethphage he sent two disciples ahead to retrieve a donkey and her colt. This seemingly strange request was actually fulfilling an Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah. By utilizing these animals during his entrance into Jerusalem later in this chapter (verse 7), Jesus symbolically announces himself as that long-awaited Messiah.