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).
Luke 19:37
Mount of Olives. The place God's glory was promised to return after departing the temple (Ezek. 43:1). Also the location where God promised Messiah would set his feet (Zech. 14:4).
rejoice and praise God. Jesus' disciples remembered all of the miracles God accomplished through Jesus. His ministry was marked by powerful works and preaching (24:19). This brought joy to the crowd.
Luke 19:38
The disciples' (v. 37) saying is based on Ps. 118:26. It was used to greet those traveling to Jerusalem for the holy feasts. By adding the word
king they indicated their belief that Jesus' royal purpose. However, they could not understand the nature of his Messianic kingship until after his death and resurrection (Mark 9:32; John 12:16; 13:7).
peace . . . glory. Similar to the praise sung by angels at Jesus' birth (2:14). However, the emphasis shifted from earth to
heaven. God's plan for salvation is being fulfilled.
Luke 19:39
Many of the religious leaders in Israel had long opposed Jesus. They could not deny that he was from God. But like the all the prophets before him, they did not like his message (11:47-51). They did not welcome his critique of their lives and his calls for repentance (11:37-45). Moreover, they did not accept him as the Messiah King (v. 4; 20:9-18; 22:67-71).
Pharisees. See note on 5:17.
Luke 19:40
Even if the disciples did not fully understand Jesus' kingship, their praise was appropriate.
stones would cry out. If no one would praise the coming of the King, then the creation itself would praise him (see Ps. 96:10-13; Isa. 55:12; Hab. 2:11).
Luke 19:41-42
wept. Jesus was sorrowful over the spiritual state of his people (see note on 13:34). Jesus knew that many in Israel would reject him (John 12:37-40). But he still mourned for them and wished them to embrace the salvation he offered (v. 44; see Ezek. 18:23, 32; Rom. 9:1-5).
Luke 19:43-44
Jesus prophesies Jerusalem's destruction in A.D. 70 (see note 21:5-6). It will be a horrendous event that prefigures the final judgment on the last day.
barricade. Before their siege on the city, the Roman army built structures around the city that prevented people from entering or leaving (21:20).
strike you down. A description of the slaughter that will take place.
stone upon another. Another description of the totality of the destruction. The ancient historian Josephus described those dark days in more detail (
Wars 7.1.1 and 7.8.7).
because. The reason for Jerusalem's destruction. Their spiritual blindness left them blind to God's saving work through Jesus.
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