Luke 19:39-40 is about the power of faith and the recognition that even if people remain silent, the very stones would cry out in praise and acknowledgement of the greatness of God.
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 19:39-40
In Luke chapter 19, we find Jesus entering Jerusalem amidst a crowd of followers who were joyfully praising and glorifying him. The scene is set on the Mount of Olives, with the city of Jerusalem spread out before them. The disciples and a large group of people had been traveling with Jesus as he made his way to Jerusalem for the Passover feast.
As they approached the city, the crowd began to shout, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” They laid their cloaks on the road for Jesus to ride over as he entered the city on a colt. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the people recognized Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The Pharisees in the crowd were not pleased with the adoration Jesus was receiving and asked him to rebuke his disciples. However, Jesus responded by saying that if they were silent, the very stones would cry out in praise.
The scene captures a moment of triumph and celebration as Jesus is welcomed into Jerusalem as a king. The people’s actions foreshadow the events that would unfold in the coming days leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
What is Luke 19:39-40 about?
This verse showcases the powerful conflict between those who worship Jesus and those who oppose Him. Jesus’ followers show gratitude and reverence by praising Him, a gesture that is met with criticism from the Pharisees, who disapprove of such adoration. Jesus emphasizes the inevitability of His praise in response to the Pharisees’ rebuke, suggesting that if His followers were silenced, even inanimate objects like rocks would testify to His greatness.
The verse invites us to reflect on the significance of worship and the unwavering nature of Jesus’ divinity. It poses a thought-provoking question: Are we willing to boldly and authentically praise Jesus despite the opinions of others, or will we let fear and criticism silence our faith? Jesus’ assertion that even rocks would cry out to praise Him underscores the undeniable truth of His lordship, challenging us to consider the depth of our own devotion and the extent to which we are willing to proclaim His glory. Let this verse serve as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in our faith and boldly declaring the greatness of our Savior, regardless of any opposition we may face.
Understanding what Luke 19:39-40 really means
In Luke 19:39-40, we witness a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry as He enters Jerusalem amidst a crowd’s jubilant praises. The Pharisees, uneasy with this public display of honor, urge Jesus to silence His disciples. Their plea, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples,” reveals both recognition of Jesus’ authority as a teacher and a reluctance to acknowledge His divine nature. This interaction highlights the tension between earthly perceptions and the profound truth of Jesus’ identity.
Jesus’ response, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out,” underscores the inevitability and necessity of His recognition. This statement conveys the idea that even inanimate creation recognizes and proclaims His lordship. It echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 19:1, where the heavens and skies declare God’s glory, emphasizing the universal testimony to His greatness. Similarly, Habakkuk 2:11 speaks of inanimate objects bearing witness to God’s truth, reinforcing the concept that all creation reflects His majesty.
These verses hold relevance for believers today, serving as a reminder that the truth of Jesus’ lordship transcends human acknowledgment. In a world where faith may face opposition or indifference, the assurance that creation itself testifies to His sovereignty is a source of comfort and encouragement. It prompts us to boldly proclaim our faith, knowing that it aligns with the very essence of the universe’s design.
Consider a scenario where a retiring teacher in a small town is celebrated by the community despite objections from a few dissenting voices. The overwhelming outpouring of love and respect for the teacher is so profound that even the inanimate surroundings seem to echo the sentiments of the people. This illustration mirrors the profound worthiness of Jesus to receive praise, indicating that even if human voices fall silent, creation itself will testify to His glory.
As we reflect on these verses, we are prompted to consider our role in being voices of praise and truth in our communities. Just as nature and the world around us bear witness to God’s greatness, we are called to let our faith shine brightly in a world that may seek to dim its light. Remember that your acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is not just a personal declaration but part of a cosmic recognition of His supreme authority. Let the assurance of creation’s testimony inspire and embolden your faith as you navigate the challenges of living out your beliefs in a world that may not always understand or accept them.
Do we truly recognize Jesus as King and Savior?
The crowds are praising Jesus as King and Savior as He enters Jerusalem in the verse, shouting out “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”.” This scene highlights the recognition and acknowledgment of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and King. The people’s exuberant declaration reflects their belief in Jesus as the one who will bring salvation and deliverance.
This passage prompts reflection on whether we truly recognize Jesus as our King and Savior in our own lives. Do we wholeheartedly embrace Him as the one who has come to redeem us and reign in our hearts? It challenges us to examine whether our words and actions align with the confession that Jesus is indeed our Lord and Savior. We should acknowledge His rightful place in our lives and submit to His reign with joy and thanksgiving, just as the crowds in Jerusalem hailed Jesus as their King that day.
Application
Let the words from Luke 19:39-40 ignite a fire within you, urging you to lift your voice and glorify Jesus Christ with unwavering conviction. Just as you carry out your duties diligently at work and nurture your loved ones with love and care, make praising His name an integral part of your daily life. Will you embrace the opportunity to shine the light of Christ brightly for all to see?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.