Luke 19:35-40 is about the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where the people praised and honored him as their King, and despite the Pharisees’ disapproval, Jesus affirmed that if the people were silent, the very stones would cry out in acknowledgment of his divine authority and glory.
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.”
Setting the Scene for Luke 19:35-40
In Luke chapter 19, we find Jesus nearing Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. The scene is set on the Mount of Olives, with a crowd of disciples and followers accompanying Jesus on his journey. The disciples had gone ahead to find the donkey and colt, just as Jesus had instructed them, and they brought them to him, laying their cloaks on the animals for Jesus to sit on.
As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the crowd began to spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the path, shouting, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the people recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.
Among the crowd were the disciples, including Peter, John, and James, who had been with Jesus throughout his ministry. They were joined by many others who had witnessed Jesus’ miracles and teachings. The city of Jerusalem bustled with activity as pilgrims gathered for the Passover, adding to the fervor of the moment. The scene was a powerful display of Jesus’ humility and kingship, as he entered the city not on a majestic steed, but on a humble donkey, fulfilling the prophecy and signaling the beginning of the events that would lead to his crucifixion and resurrection.
What is Luke 19:35-40 about?
This verse captures a profound moment in the Bible known as Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of the events leading to His crucifixion and resurrection. The crowds hail Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah as He rides into the city, laying down their cloaks and palm branches as a sign of honor and recognition of His divinity. The Pharisees, however, are displeased by this display of praise and rebuke the disciples for acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus highlights the significance of this moment in the divine plan of salvation when He mentions that even the stones would cry out in praise if His disciples were silent. It underscores the inevitability and importance of acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, even if it means going against societal norms or facing opposition. This verse challenges us to reflect on our own recognition of Christ in our lives and consider how we honor Him in our actions and words. It prompts us to ponder what it means to truly praise and worship Jesus, and whether we are willing to do so boldly and unapologetically, even in the face of criticism or opposition.
Understanding what Luke 19:35-40 really means
The passage in Luke 19:35-40 captures the momentous occasion of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He is welcomed as a king by His disciples and a jubilant crowd. The disciples’ act of placing their cloaks on a colt for Jesus to ride symbolizes humility and honor, signifying their recognition of His kingship and their willingness to honor Him. As Jesus proceeded, the people spread their cloaks on the road, a gesture of deep respect and acknowledgment of His authority and kingship. The whole crowd of disciples joyfully praised God in loud voices, celebrating the miracles they had witnessed, highlighting Jesus’ divine power and the fulfillment of prophecies.
The exclamation, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” directly references Psalm 118:26, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah foretold in scripture. However, amidst the joyous celebration, some Pharisees in the crowd asked Jesus to rebuke His disciples, revealing the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders who failed to recognize His authority. Jesus’ response, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out,” emphasizes the inevitability of His praise and the divine nature of His mission, underscoring that even creation itself would testify to His glory.
This passage resonates with us today by prompting us to recognize Jesus’ authority in our lives, akin to how the crowd acknowledged His kingship. It serves as a reminder of the importance of publicly declaring our faith, just as the disciples and crowd openly praised Jesus during His triumphal entry. Jesus’ statement about the stones crying out reminds us that divine praise is inevitable, urging us to actively participate in glorifying God and acknowledging His sovereignty.
Reflecting on this scene, we can envision a town preparing for the arrival of a revered leader, with people eagerly showing respect and joy. Similarly, the actions of the crowd in Jerusalem reflected their deep reverence and recognition of Jesus’ significance. In our lives, we may encounter moments where we feel compelled to honor someone we deeply respect. This passage encourages us to redirect that reverence towards Jesus, acknowledging His pivotal role in our lives and in the world.
In conclusion, Luke 19:35-40 vividly portrays Jesus’ kingship and the imperative of recognizing and honoring His authority. It calls us to boldly profess our faith, knowing that God’s glory will always be proclaimed, with or without human participation. Let us heed the lessons from this passage, embracing the joyous celebration of Jesus’ kingship and actively participating in the divine praise that is rightfully His.
How often do we praise God for His miracles?
We should always praise God for His miracles because they demonstrate His power, presence, and love for us. Those who witness miracles being performed cannot help but praise God, as illustrated in the particular verse mentioned. These miracles are often a direct result of His love and mercy towards us, reminding us of His greatness and faithfulness.
The act of praising God for His miracles also strengthens our faith and trust in Him. It reassures us that He is always with us, working wonders in our lives even when we may not see or understand them at the moment. We deepen our connection with God and invite His presence to work even more wonders in our lives and the lives of those around us by acknowledging His miracles and giving thanks for them. We acknowledge His sovereignty and power over all things by ultimately praising God for His miracles. It is a humbling experience to witness the extraordinary works of God and give Him the praise and glory He rightfully deserves. Our praise and thanksgiving are a way to honor Him and show our gratitude for His constant presence and grace in our lives.
Application
Harness the power of your praise and worship, just like the crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem. Let your devotion shine bright and inspire those around you. Spread the message of His greatness through your actions and words. How will you choose to elevate Him in your daily journey?
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.