Who is This?

Read Matthew 21.

The time of Passover brought Jews from all over the Roman Empire to Jerusalem.  Jesus joined the journey.  He was right on schedule.  It was Sunday and by Friday He would die on the cross.

His identity was never hidden to those who wanted to see.  But to those who pridefully and rebelliously rejected Jesus, they remained in their spiritual blindness.

1. Your King. (v.5)
Jesus officially offered Himself to the nation as the fulfillment of the One promised by the prophets.  Instead of entering the city on a kingly steed, the lowly Jesus rode on a donkey.  This was exactly what Zechariah 9:9 predicted hundreds of years in advance.

2. Son of David. (v.9)
As the crowds made their way up the elevation to Jerusalem, they would sing the Psalms of Ascents.  Those coming from Galilee would have recognized Jesus and they began to attribute the words of the songs to Him in praise.  Calling Jesus the Son of David is a direct reference to God's promise in 2 Samuel 7:12-16.  Though a descendant of David had not ruled for hundreds of years, the worshipers acknowledged that Jesus was that predicted king.  Matthew chapter one provides the proof of Jesus' lineage and right to the throne.  The angel Gabriel declared at His birth, "...the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David" (Luke 1:32).

3. Savior. (v.9)
The people sang to Jesus, "Hosanna in the highest."  The word hosanna means "save us, we pray".  Looking to Jesus as a king, for many, would have meant saving them from the oppression of the Romans in Israel.  Ruling the world's government will take place at His second coming.  For now, Matthew 1:21-"...you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

4. God with us.
In Matthew 1:23, the angel's announcement of Jesus birth included Isaiah's prophetic statement, "...'they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)".  Several responses in this chapter support Jesus' claim to Deity.
-He received praise as God. (v.9, v.16)
-He called the Temple "My house." (v.13)
-He healed an unknown number of people. (v.14)
-He displayed His power over creation. (v.20)
-He identified Himself as the One sent by the Father but rejected. (vv.33-46)

There are four key questions in this text.
Who is this? (v.10)
Do you hear what these are saying? (v.16)
How did the fig tree wither at once? (v.20)
By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority? (v.23)
And, the biggest question of all...
Why then did you not believe him? (v.25)