This is the last reference to Jesus" healing ministry in Matthew"s Gospel. The healing probably happened in the Court of the Gentiles. Some of these blind and lame people could not participate fully in worship activities at the temple (cf. 2 Samuel 5:6-8, where David excluded the blind and lame). However, Jesus made it possible for them to do so by healing them (cf. Acts 3:2). Jesus therefore cleansed both the temple and those who came to it. One greater than the temple had arrived ( Matthew 12:6). The authorities would later question His authority to do this cleansing ( Matthew 21:23). [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Matthew 21:8-17 - The Lord Of The Temple
It was only a crowd of poor people who escorted Jesus on Palm Sunday to the Holy City; but they sent their hosannas upward to the highest, and their shouts of acclamation and praise are ever ringing down the ages. Let us take them up and pass them on. Hosanna means Save now, Psalms 118:25, which formed part of the Great Hallel, or Passover Psalms. Thus, one day, His Church, and probably the literal Israel of the future, will hail Him with transports of joy. See Zechariah 2:10. Where Jesus comes, He cleanses. At His word the heart that was filled with the din of worldly care becomes the home of prayer, and children-the emblems of humility, simplicity, and faith-gather. While the needy and the childlike are attracted by our Lord's gentleness, wrongdoers are driven out before the "terror of the Lord." [source]
Chapter Summary: Matthew 21
1Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey 12drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple; 17curses the fig tree; 23puts to silence the priests and elders, 28and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons, 33and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them
What do the individual words in Matthew 21:14 mean?