Knowing The Word in Luke 19:28-40

The Triumphal Entry

19:28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road 37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” 40 He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Comments

Jesus led the way toward Jerusalem, nearing two villages: Bethphage, which today has an unknown location, and Bethany, a known village two miles from Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Jesus made Bethany his home base during Holy Week, staying with his good friends Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. He sent two disciples into one of the villages to get a colt—both Matthew and John say it was a donkey—that had never been ridden, meaning it was saved for a sacred purpose. He gave them a password to use if someone tried to stop them.

The disciples made a saddle for Jesus and put him on the colt. They took the initiative, not Jesus, of this kingly symbol, perhaps reminding people of David and Solomon riding into Jerusalem as kings. As Jesus rode along, his followers made a triumphal carpet on the ground. (Luke is the only gospel writer to omit the spreading of palm branches.) The prophet Zechariah in 9:9 saw the Messiah as the Prince of peace, riding not on a warhorse but on a humble donkey. The people were quoting from Psalm 118:26. The scene and the words mark Jesus as the divine king of Israel, irritating some Pharisees in the crowd, who were likely Galileans entering Jerusalem along with Jesus and his boisterous followers.

Application

Sometimes we Americans believe having “unelected” leaders as something to be avoided at all costs. After all, we escaped the British monarchy hundreds of years ago. It took me years to appreciate that Jesus is my King. Do you think of Jesus as your King? Why or why not?

Prayer

King Jesus, you are a different kind of king. Instead of riding into Jerusalem on a warhorse, you peacefully and humbly entered the city on a colt to make the cross your throne and thorns your crown. Grant me, your servant, to love you more dearly and follow you more nearly, day by day.