Matthew 21: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Matthew 21 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Jesus approaches Jerusalem and sends two disciples to fetch a donkey and a colt, fulfilling prophecy (vv. 1-6). The crowd lays their garments and branches on the road, shouting ‘Hosanna to the son of David’ as Jesus enters the city (vv.

Key verse

“The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
Matthew 21:9 (WEB)

Outline

Matthew 21:1–6 Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Matthew 21:7–11 Crowd's Response to Jesus
Matthew 21:12–17 Cleansing the Temple
Matthew 21:18–22 Withering of the Fig Tree
Matthew 21:23–27 Authority Questioned
Matthew 21:28–32 Parable of the Two Sons
Matthew 21:33–46 Parable of the Wicked Tenants

Discussion questions

In v9, who do the multitudes shout praises to as they enter Jerusalem?
Why does Jesus say in v13, 'you have made it a den of robbers'?
Jesus asks about John’s baptism in vv. 24-25: what tension exists in their response?
In vv. 43-44, what does Jesus mean by God's Kingdom being taken away?
When have you seen someone recognized for their true worth after being overlooked, like the blind and lame in v14?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Matthew 21: Mark 11, Matthew 7, Luke 11.

Before next time: read Matthew 22.