The Gospel of Luke:a commentary & meditation


"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord"

Scripture: Luke 19:28-40

28 And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Beth'phage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the village opposite, 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 any one 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 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 garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. 36 And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. 37 As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the 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 multitude said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." 40 He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."

Meditation:  Jesus went to Jerusalem knowing full well what awaited him -- betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion.  The people of Jerusalem, however, were ready to hail him as their Messianic King!  Little did they know what it would cost this king to usher in his kingdom.   Jesus' entry into Jerusalem astride a colt was a direct fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy of Zechariah (9:9): Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion.  Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem.  Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, and riding on an ass and upon a colt the foal of an ass.  The colt was a sign of peace.  Jesus enters Jerusalem in meekness and humility, as the Messianic King who brings victory and peace to his people. That victory and peace would be secured in the cross and resurrection which would take place in a matter of days at the time of Passover.   Psalm 24 is another prophetic passage which echoes this triumphal procession of the King of glory: Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors!  that the King of glory may come in.  Jesus Christ came to bring us the kingdom of God.  He is the true King who offers peace, joy, and everlasting life for those who accept his kingship.  Does the King of glory find a welcome entry in your heart and home?  Do your walls echo with the praise of his glory?

"Lord Jesus Christ, may you always be the King of my heart and the Ruler of my home. Let your peace reign in my life that I may find joy in your presence now and forever."


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 (c)1999, 2000 Don Schwager