Luke 19:28 - Meaning and Application

Here we have the same account of Christ riding, in a kind of triumph, into Jerusalem, as we saw in Matthew and Mark. So here we will only notice a few things.

First, Jesus Christ was ready and willing to suffer and die for us. He went forward, led by purpose and resolve, to Jerusalem. He knew very well what would happen there, yet he still went ahead, ascending toward Jerusalem (Luke 19:28). He was at the front of the group, as if he longed to be there, to begin the work, and to face what was ahead. If he was so willing to suffer and die for us, should we hold back from any service we can do for him?

Second, this public entry into Jerusalem was in no way against Christ’s humility, or against his state of lowliness at that time. In fact, it made him more noticeable, so that the shame of his death would appear even greater. His honor and his coming suffering stood out together.

Third, Christ has the right to rule over all creatures, and he may use them whenever and however he pleases. No person owns anything in a way that stands against Christ, because his claim is earlier and greater. Christ sent for a donkey and her colt from their owner’s and master’s stall when he needed them, and he had every right to do so. All the animals of the forest are his, and so are the animals kept by people.

Fourth, Christ has every person’s heart under his eye and in his hand. He could move the hearts of those who owned the donkey and colt so they would agree to let them go as soon as they heard that the Lord needed them.

Fifth, those who go on Christ’s errands are sure to succeed (Luke 19:32). The men who were sent found exactly what he told them they would find, and the owners were willing to part with the animals. It is a comfort to Christ’s messengers to know they will bring back what they are sent for, if the Lord truly needs it.

Sixth, Christ’s disciples who get for him from others what he needs, and what they do not have, should not think that is enough. Whatever they have themselves that can serve and honor him, they should be ready to give that too. Many are willing to attend Christ at another person’s expense, but do not want to spend anything themselves. These disciples not only brought the donkey’s colt for him, they also spread their own garments on it, willing to let them be used as his covering.

Seventh, Christ’s triumphs are the cause of his disciples’ praise. When Christ came near Jerusalem, God suddenly put it into the hearts of the whole group of disciples, not just the twelve, but many others as well, to rejoice and praise God (Luke 19:37). Spreading their clothes on the road (Luke 19:36) was a common sign of joy, as at the feast of tabernacles. They praised God for all the mighty works they had seen, all the miracles Christ had done, especially the raising of Lazarus, which is named especially (John 12:17, John 12:18). One fresh miracle can bring other mercies back to mind, because new gifts from God should awaken our memory of his former gifts.

They said, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” (Luke 19:38). Christ is the king, and he comes in the name of the Lord, clothed with divine authority and sent from heaven to give law and make peace. Blessed be he, and let us praise him. Let God make him prosper. He is blessed forever, and we will speak well of him. “Peace in heaven” means, let the God of heaven send peace and success to his work, and then glory will be given to God in the highest. It will bring honor to the Most High God, and the angels, the glorious beings of the upper world, will give him glory for it. Compare this song of the saints on earth with the angels’ song in Luke 2:14. Both give glory to God in the highest. There the angels speak of peace on earth, rejoicing in the good Christ brings to people on earth. Here the saints speak of peace in heaven, rejoicing in the good Christ brings to the angels. This is how we share fellowship with the holy angels. They rejoice in the peace on earth, and we rejoice in the peace in heaven, the peace God makes in his high places (Job 25:2). Both are found in Christ, who has reconciled all things to himself, whether on earth or in heaven.

Eighth, Christ’s triumph, and his disciples’ joyful praise of it, troubled the proud Pharisees, who were enemies of him and his kingdom. Some Pharisees were in the crowd, and they were so far from joining in that they were angry. Since Christ was known for humility, they thought he would not allow such cheers, and so they expected him to rebuke his disciples (Luke 19:39). But it brings honor to Christ that, while he ignores the scorn of the proud, he accepts the praise of the humble.

Ninth, whether people praise Christ or not, he will be praised, and must be praised (Luke 19:40). If these were silent and did not speak praise for the Messiah’s kingdom, the stones themselves would cry out rather than let Christ go without praise. In a sense, this was literally fulfilled when people mocked Christ on the cross instead of praising him, and his own disciples fell into deep silence. Then the earth quaked and the rocks split open. The Pharisees wanted to stop the praise of Christ, but they could not succeed. Just as God can raise up children for Abraham from stones, so he can also bring perfect praise from the mouths of those children.