Today's passage is one of those that, at first glance, do not deserve special attention; it tells in detail about only one event, and not at all the most important event in the Gospel. Of course, the story of the donkey on which the Savior would very soon ride through the streets of Jerusalem amid cries of "hosanna" is interesting at least because...
Today's passage is one of those that, at first glance, do not deserve special attention; it tells in detail about only one event, and not at all the most important event in the Gospel. Of course, the story of the donkey on which the Savior would very soon ride through the streets of Jerusalem amid cries of "hosanna" is interesting at least because here before us is an action reminiscent of those characteristic of the great prophets of the Old Testament. And yet, when reading the text carefully, one involuntarily begins to think about something else.
Indeed, the young donkey, although by local standards it was not expensive, was still a fairly costly possession for a Jerusalemite of modest means in Gospel times. And Jesus' disciples simply take it, saying only that it "is needed by the Lord." No details, no further explanations. And the people around them nevertheless believe them. In essence, they presented no obvious proof to anyone. Of course, the inhabitants of Jerusalem were mostly believers and trusted God, and they also paid attention to prophetic speech, since many among the people considered Jesus a prophet. But the story does not even mention that those around them understood for whom the apostles were taking the young donkey. It is possible, of course, that by that time the apostles themselves were already no less known in the city than their Teacher; in that case their actions would have had to be treated the same way prophetic actions in general were treated, and a prophet could often allow himself what an ordinary person was not allowed.
But even in this case, the readiness to part with one's property at the first demand of someone who wants to take it in God's name says a great deal. In essence, the matter is a sacrifice to God, and not a required one such as, for example, the Temple tithe, but an entirely voluntary one. And no doubt each of us can easily imagine how hard it can sometimes be to decide on a serious donation that noticeably affects our family budget or property situation. But here there are no questions, doubts, or hesitations. The matter is settled by a simple "the Lord needs it."
11
11:11 Mat 21:10, Mat 21:17.
11:12 Mat 21:18.
11:13 For it was not a season of figs - It was net (as we say) a good year for figs; at least not for that early sort, which alone was ripe so soon in the spring. If we render the words, It was not the season of figs, that is,the time of gathering them in, it may mean, The season was not yet: and so (inclosing the words in a parenthesis, And coming to it, he found nothing but leaves) it may refer to the former part of the sentence, and may be considered as the reason of Christ's going to see whether there were any figs on this tree. Some who also read that clause in a parenthesis, translate the hollowing words, for where he was, it was the season of figs. And it is certain, this meaning of the words suits best with the great design of the parable, which was to reprove the Jewish Church for its unfruitfulness at that very season, when fruit might best be expected from them.
11:15 Mat 21:12; Luk 19:45.
11:16 He suffered not that any should carry a vessel through the temple - So strong notions had our Lord, of even relative holiness!And of the regard due to those places (as well as times) that are peculiarly dedicated to God.
11:17 Isa 56:7; Jer 7:11.
11:18 They feared him - That is, they were afraid to take him by violence, lest it should raise a tumult; because all the people was astonished at his teaching - Both at the excellence of his discourse, and at the majesty and authority with which he taught.
11:20 Mat 21:20.
11:22 Have faith in God - And who could find fault, if the Creator and Proprietor of all things were to destroy, by a single word of his mouth, a thousand of his inanimate creatures, were it only to imprint this important lesson more deeply on one immortal spirit?
11:25 When ye stand praying - Standing was their usual posture when they prayed. Forgive - And on this condition, ye shall have whatever you ask, with. out wrath or doubting. Mat 6:14.