And when they came near Jerusalem, toward Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of His disciples.
This verse opens Christ’s final entry into Jerusalem, the city where His sufferings, death, and resurrection were to be fulfilled. Bethphage, Bethany, and the Mount of Olives are mentioned not only as geographical locations, but also as signs that the saving events are drawing near. The Lord approaches Jerusalem consciously and willingly. He does not avoid the hour for which He came into the world. Sending two disciples shows His authority and His providential knowledge: He arranges everything in a peaceful, steadfast, and purposeful way. This event prepares the prophetic entry by which Christ is to be revealed as the humble King, not in earthly power, but in obedience to the divine will.