Video Abstract (Author: Max7.org): Jesus and His message are met with mixed emotions. The crowds cheer Him with kingly welcome as He rides into Jerusalem. The children praise Him — here is God's long-awaited good and perfect King! But the Jewish leaders also plot to get rid of Him. As Jesus overturned the tables He looked forward to the new way that all people would be able to meet with God. Not via the temple and routine sacrifice, but through Jesus' willing sacrifice for us.

1. Learning about Jesus requires knowledge about the Old Testament. If you take the time to study God's word with the Holy Spirit, you'll learn about Messianic prophecies. These are statements about the Messiah made by Old Testament prophets; however, we often aren't aware of this until these statements are referred to in the New Testament. In preparation of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (Matt 21:1-5; John 12:12-15), Zechariah 9:9 is mentioned. What phrases are used of the entering Jesus? What does this tell you about the people welcoming him - why is this important?

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Lord needs them,' and he will send them at once." This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
"Say to the daughter of Zion,
'Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'" (Matt 21:1-5, ESV)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zech 9:9, ESV)

2. This is not the first time Jesus cleanses the Temple. Consider this account early in His ministry – what do you observe that helps you understand Matthew 21:8-17? What Messianic prophecy do you see?

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons "Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." (John 2:13-17, ESV)