Luke 19:28-38 is about Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and demonstrating his role as the promised Messiah.
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 They said, “The Lord needs 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!”
Setting the Scene for Luke 19:28-38
In Luke chapter 19, we find Jesus and his disciples nearing Jerusalem. As they approach the city, Jesus instructs two of his disciples to go ahead and find a colt tied up, which no one has ever ridden. He tells them that if anyone asks why they are untying it, they should say that the Lord needs it. The disciples do as Jesus instructed, and they bring the colt to Jesus, laying their cloaks on it for him to sit on.
The scene is set on the road leading to Jerusalem, with crowds of people lining the way. Excitement and anticipation fill the air as word spreads that Jesus, the miracle worker and teacher, is approaching the city. The disciples walk alongside Jesus and the colt, while others in the crowd begin to lay their cloaks on the road as a sign of respect and honor for the one they believe to be the long-awaited Messiah. As they draw nearer to Jerusalem, the crowd starts to shout praises, waving palm branches and declaring, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” The atmosphere is charged with emotion and expectation as Jesus enters the city amidst the cheers and adoration of the people.
What is Luke 19:28-38 about?
Jesus intentionally chooses to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey in fulfillment of the prophecy in the Old Testament. He is both declaring his kingship and showcasing his humility by doing so. This act symbolizes that Jesus is a different kind of king; one who is approachable, compassionate, and willing to serve others. It also emphasizes the idea that his kingdom is not of this world, unlike the earthly kingdoms of power and wealth.
Think about the significance of this choice – a king typically enters a city on a grand horse, surrounded by soldiers and splendor. Yet Jesus, the King of Kings, deliberately chooses a humble mode of transportation. This act challenges our understanding of power and royalty. It reminds us that true greatness is found in humility and service to others. Let us consider how we can reflect on this verse and emulate Jesus’ example of humility and servant leadership in our own lives.
Understanding what Luke 19:28-38 really means
The passage in Luke 19:28-38 recounts the significant event of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, known as Palm Sunday. Jesus instructs His disciples to bring a colt for Him to ride into the city, where the crowd joyfully spreads their cloaks on the road and praises God for the miracles they have witnessed. This moment sets the stage for the unfolding of Jesus’ divine purpose and the recognition of His kingship by the people.
One key phrase in this passage is when Jesus tells His disciples, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden.” This statement showcases Jesus’ divine knowledge and the fulfillment of prophecy, as foretold in Zechariah 9:9. The phrase “The Lord needs it” emphasizes Jesus’ authority and the willingness of individuals to serve Him, highlighting the obedience and reverence due to Him.
As the crowd welcomes Jesus with shouts of “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” they are directly referencing Psalm 118:26, acknowledging Jesus as the awaited Messiah. Their proclamation of “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” echoes the angels’ message at Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:14, connecting His arrival in Jerusalem to His divine mission of bringing peace and glory to humanity.
The relevance of this passage to people today lies in its emphasis on humility, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the recognition of Jesus’ kingship. In a world often consumed by the pursuit of power and recognition, Jesus’ humble entry on a colt serves as a poignant reminder of the value of humility and service. The crowd’s exuberant praise encourages us to openly acknowledge and celebrate the blessings and miracles in our own lives.
To illustrate the impact of humility and approachability, consider a small-town mayor who chooses to walk through the streets instead of arriving in a grand car, engaging with and showing care for the townspeople. This act of humility endears the mayor to the community, much like Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem endeared Him to the people. Such stories inspire us to lead with humility and to prioritize personal connections, mirroring Jesus’ example of genuine interaction and care for others.
In conclusion, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the beginning of a pivotal moment in His mission. It prompts us to reflect on our lives, embrace humility, and recognize the divine in everyday occurrences. By following the example set by Jesus and the crowd who welcomed Him with open hearts, we can find peace, joy, and fulfillment in acknowledging the presence of God in our midst.
How can we joyfully welcome Jesus into our lives?
We can joyfully welcome Jesus into our lives by acknowledging Him as our Savior and King. We can also express our gratitude for His presence in our lives, just as the people in the verse welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with joy and praise. We can invite Him into every aspect of our being, allowing Him to reign in our hearts and lead us in the way of love and righteousness.
Furthermore, we can welcome Jesus into our lives by surrendering to His will and following His teachings. This involves seeking His guidance through prayer, studying the scriptures, and living out His commandments in our daily actions. We demonstrate our willingness to walk alongside Him and experience the transformation that comes from a close relationship with Christ by aligning our lives with His example. We find true joy and fulfillment in His presence by doing so.
Application
Just as Jesus humbly rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, let us welcome Him into our lives with humility and surrender. Reflect on how you can honor Him not just in words, but in your everyday actions and thoughts. Embrace His kingship in your life, allowing Him to reign in your heart. How will you invite Jesus to be your King today?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.