Jesus Sends Two Disciples

Matthew 21:1-11

The Big Idea

Jesus gave his disciples a task, and they followed his directions. We can learn to obey faithfully and serve peacefully.

The Bible Story

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

Matthew 21:1–3 says that Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem and reached Bethphage at the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two disciples to a nearby village to bring him a donkey and its colt. Matthew does not identify the disciples or the animals’ owners. This moment begins Jesus’ humble arrival in Jerusalem. The wider passage presents his entry as fulfilling the prophetic message that Jerusalem’s King comes humbly, seated on a donkey and a colt. The disciples followed Jesus’ directions and brought the animals. Matthew then describes cloaks placed on them, without explaining a different riding arrangement. Later, crowds welcomed Jesus with cloaks and branches from trees and praised him as the Son of David. Keep this scene limited to the first step: Jesus sending the two disciples on their peaceful task.

Themes

Fulfillment of Scripture Jesus’ humble royal arrival Joyful public welcome Recognition of Jesus’ identity

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Near Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sends two unnamed disciples toward a nearby village to bring a donkey and its colt. The scene can show Jesus giving clear directions and the disciples beginning their peaceful task, with the village path and the two animals’ location suggested without adding owners or extra characters.

Talk together

Talk about it

What task did Jesus give the two disciples?
How can you obey Jesus in a peaceful, helpful way?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page before teaching Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Invite children to notice the setting, the two unnamed disciples, and both animals. Emphasize obedience, humility, and careful attention to what Matthew records. Avoid adding names, owners, dialogue, palm branches, or later events.

Source note