After his remarkable arrival in Jerusalem, during which the Messiah Jesus stirred up great commotion and nearly sparked an uprising, he enters the Temple. At that moment he is accompanied not only by his disciples but also by a large crowd that had come to witness the event. However, as night falls, the crowd begins to disperse. Finally, the Messiah Jesus, surrounded by the twelve disciples, leaves Jerusalem to return to Bethany.
The Messiah Jesus stays in a makeshift camp near Bethany, about two hours' slow walk from the Temple in Jerusalem. Although it is possible that he spends the night at the home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus, it is more likely that he stays with his apostles. According to the Gospels, most of the events of this period take place in Jerusalem, where the Messiah Jesus spends his days teaching those who wish to listen to him.
Throughout this week, the Messiah Jesus goes to the Temple every day, accompanied by his disciples, in order to give his teaching there. When evening comes, he returns near Bethany to spend the night.
It is important to note that Judas Iscariot continues to follow the Messiah Jesus. Mark's account still mentions the twelve disciples, indicating that, despite his future betrayal, Judas remains part of the group.
Taking advantage of these quiet moments, the apostles no doubt question their Master in order to better understand the recent events. They especially want to know why Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a colt. It is not certain that Matthew immediately made the connection between this episode and the prophecy of Zechariah 9.9, a detail that does not come naturally to mind.