The Messianic Entry Series

LUKE 19: 28-40

THE MESSIANIC ENTRY

[Zechariah 9:1-10 / Psalm 118:25-26]

The final week in Jesus’ earthly life begins with an outpouring of public recognition. This story of Jesus’ messianic entry into Jerusalem is found in all four gospels [Mt 21:12-17; Mk 11:1-14; Jn 12:12-19]. It is one of the last links in the chain that leads toward the final cataclysmic event. Jesus steps into the limelight to highlight and draw the people’s attention to the enactment of the most important event of all history, His death and resurrection.

Jesus was such a controversial Person that it was impossible for Him to be near Jerusalem and remain unnoticed. From all over the country, people came to the Passover feast. The disciples had been warned repeatedly against wrong expectations of what would happen to Jesus in Jerusalem. The authorities would kill Jesus! Nevertheless, He prepared to enter the city in an unusual way.

This holy week event traditionally known as Palm Sunday is full of significance. As we will observe, the honoring of Jesus effected different people in different ways. Of course, the question still remains with us: “What do you do with the challenge to your life that the Lord Jesus presents to you?”

I. JESUS’ PREPARES HIS ENTRY, 28–34.

II. JESUS’ ADVANCES TO JERUSALEM, 35–37.

III. JESUS RECOGNIZED AS KING, 38-40.

With verse 28 the last week of Jesus’ earthy life commences. “And when He had said these things, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem” [ESV].

The transition “After Jesus said these things” links His approach to the city with the parable of the ten talents that denies an immediate appearance of the kingdom and portrays the rejection of its ruler. It was now time for Jesus to go up to Jerusalem and He prepared the way for His entry. Jerusalem at Passover is the city and time of Jesus predetermination destiny. [Jesus knew how this last visit would play out (9:22, 44-45; 12:49-50; 13:32-33; 17:25; 18:31-34) yet for that event He was earthly born.]

As Jesus prepares to enter into Jerusalem, He takes control of events in verse 29. “When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,”

Luke’s mention of Bethphage and Bethany locates where Jesus went to prepare for His dramatic entry into Jerusalem, the city of the great king. Bethany and Bethphage were small villages on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives, within two miles of the city. Bethany of course was important as the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The Mount of Olives is significant in prophecy as the place of the Messiah’s coming (Zechariah 14:4).

Here Jesus stopped until the way could be prepared so that when He entered the city of David people would know He was presenting Himself as the Messiah. At His command two of His disciples would be sent to find a colt and bring it here.

Verse 30 informs us that the purpose of the disciples’ mission was to procure Jesus an animal. saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here.

Preparing to come down the hillside called the Mount of Olives (at 2,660 ft) and then up into the city of Jerusalem, Jesus sends His disciples to get a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9.

The selection of Jesus’ mount or mode of entry is significant. Matthew 21:1-7 tells that Jesus sent His disciples to find a specific donkey and colt. He could have sent them to find any animal He chose.

Jesus’ riding into the city on a young donkey was a sign of peace. He did not ride a war horse or carry a sword or wear a crown. Nor did He ride in a wheeled vehicle, as did many kings. He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey to symbolize a conception of messiahship radically different from that of the crowd’s understanding or expectation. They wanted a conquering hero that would establish an earthly kingdom of dominance and power. This man would have ridden on a prancing war steed. Jesus came as an the humble Prince of Peace who would liberate His followers from self, sin, and Satan by defeating them in a way that only He, as God in human flesh could.

In verse 31 Jesus prepares His disciples for what would happen as they take the animal. ‘If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’”

For Jesus the coming events held no surprises. He therefore announces what would occur to those who followed Him.

“The Lord has need of it.” What an irony it is that the Lord would have need of anything. But He does. He needed a boat from which to preach (Luke 5:3–6). He needed some loaves and fishes with which to feed the crowd (Matthew 14:16–18). He needed a coin through which to make a point (Matthew 22:19). He needed a room in which to share the Last Supper with His disciples (Matthew 26:18). He needed a tomb from which to rise from the dead (Matthew 27:60). Our Lord has chosen to place Himself in a position of need. Paul said He who was rich became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). Why? One of the reasons, I believe, was in order that we might partner with Him in what He wants to do on the earth. Whether it’s sharing the Word or feeding a multitude, the Lord has chosen to say, “I need you.” [Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 393). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson.]