Notes on Luke 19:20-21:38

Luke 19:20-21

The final servant was unfaithful and careless with the money entrusted to him by the nobleman. He defended his lazy inactivity by criticizing the nobleman. Yet, the nobleman's actions showed him to be gracious and generous (vv. 16-19).

Luke 19:22-23

your own words . . . judge. Since the servant presumed the nobleman was a severe man (vv. 20-21), the nobleman would judge him as such a man. wicked. The servant was disobedient to his master's instructions. bank. If the servant really believed the nobleman was harsh, he should at least earned simple interest at a bank. The servant would not have had to do anything. But he would still have a financial return to present.

Luke 19:24-25

The unfaithful servant's mina was given to one of the other faithful servants. This increased his reward and responsibility (vv. 16-19). mina. See note on v. 13.

Luke 19:26

By his wrong response to the nobleman's character, the unfaithful servant revealed that he did not really serve him (see John 14:15, 21). Thus, he lost what he once had. Likewise, when Jesus returns, those who truly knew him and served will be rewarded while false disciples will be punished (6:46; Matt. 7:21-23).

Luke 19:27

Jesus was rejected by many in Israel who claimed to be God's servants (v. 14, and note). When Jesus returns, he will bring judgment for sin (12:46; 13:9; 18:8; Matt 25:46; John 5:29). This includes the sin of refusing to follow him as king and living as faithful servants in his kingdom (see Acts 10:42; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pet. 4:5).

Jesus' Public Ministry in and Near Jerusalem - Luke 19:28-21:38

Jerusalem would be the place of Jesus's final work as Savior. He would openly preach and teach before offering his life for the salvation of his people.

Jesus Enters Jerusalem as the Servant King - Luke 19:28-44

Jesus entered Jerusalem with a crowd of his disciples. They praised and honored him as the promised Messiah King.

Luke 19:28

said these things. The parable in vv. 11-27. Jerusalem. Jesus was moving forward toward his impending death (see note on 9:51).

Luke 19:29

Bethphage and Bethany. The location of Bethphage is uncertain. But it was close to Bethany, which sat on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives. It was about three miles outside Jerusalem (v. 28).

Luke 19:30

you will find. Jesus displayed his divine knowledge (5:22; 6:8; 7:39-40; 22:13, 21, 34) and kingly authority. never been ridden. Could indicate it was never used for secular purposes, and so it was fit for Jesus' sacred use (see Num. 19:2; Deut. 21:3). It would have been difficult to ride an unbroken colt into a noisy crowd (vv. 35-37). Perhaps Jesus healed it of its fear, making it useful and showing the gentle King is he toward his people (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 11:29-30).

Luke 19:32-34

Events unfolded as Jesus said they would (vv. 30-31). The disciples who found the colt and those who owned the colt both followed Jesus. The disciples obeyed his commands and the owners met his need (see v. 35).

Luke 19:35-36

cloaks upon the colt . . . road. This was an Old Testament sign of submission to Israel's king (1 Kings 1:32-34; 2 Kings 9:13). This also fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah entering Jerusalem humbly on a colt (Zech. 9:9). Luke emphasized from the beginning of his Gospel that Jesus was the Son of David and the promised Messiah (1:26-27, 23-33).

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