Luke 19

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

(And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

And when he was come nigh, even now 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;

Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

What does Luke 19:38 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 19:38 speaks of a highly significant event in the Christian faith known as the Triumphal Entry. This momentous occasion is celebrated on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.

The verse captures a joyous declaration made by Jesus' followers as He rode into the city on a donkey. They shouted blessings upon Him as the coming King, acknowledging His divine authority and messianic role.

The phrase "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord" recognizes Jesus as the anticipated King, the one sent by God, fulfilling the prophecies of a savior who would establish God's reign.

The followers express their hope for peace in heaven, indicating their desire for God's heavenly order to be reflected on earth.

The mention of "glory in the highest" echoes the angels' proclamation at Jesus' birth (Luke 2:14), signifying the divine nature of the event and the connection between heaven and earth.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Luke 19:28-44 provides the narrative context for this verse.

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is a deliberate act that aligns with the messianic expectations of the Jewish people.

The act of riding on a donkey was a fulfillment of the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, which depicted a humble king who would come to bring peace.

Additionally, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem occurred during the time of Passover, a Jewish festival commemorating liberation from Egyptian slavery. The Passover context heightened the expectations for a deliverer who would free Israel from the bondage of foreign rule.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse carries significant weight.

From a Christian perspective, it affirms Jesus as the Messiah and heralds the in-breaking of God's kingdom through Him.

The depiction of Jesus as King emphasizes a different kind of kingship, one that is rooted in humility, peace, and servanthood, in contrast to earthly kings who often rely on power and military might.

Furthermore, the verse also reflects an eschatological tension.

There is an already-but-not-yet dichotomy inherent in the phrase “peace in heaven, and glory in the highest,” because it suggests a present acknowledgment of Jesus’ authority while also looking forward to the full realization of God’s kingdom.

Practical Applications

Luke 19:38 can inspire individuals to recognize and honor Jesus in their lives as the one who brings peace and salvation, similar to how the followers honored Him during the Triumphal Entry.

It can also encourage believers to embody humility and serve others just as Jesus showcased a kingship that was vastly different from worldly expectations.

Moreover, this verse can act as a reminder to seek and promote peace, mirroring the heavenly peace that Jesus is said to embody. Acknowledging Jesus as the coming King can help the faithful to align their actions and decisions with the values of God’s kingdom.

Cross-References

Zechariah 9:9 - "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Psalm 118:26 - "Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord: we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of this verse, certain words are of particular importance.

The word "εὐλογημένος" (eulogemenos) translated as "blessed" carries the sense of divine favor and approval.

The term "ὁ βασιλεὺς" (ho basileus) means "the King," denoting a ruler's position but also reflecting Jesus' messianic title.

The phrase "ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου" (en onomati Kyriou) translates to "in the name of the Lord," indicating divine mission and authority.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn between Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and the entrance of kings or gods in other religious or mythological contexts. For example, in ancient Rome, a victorious general would be granted a triumph, a grand procession through the city.

However, Jesus’ entry is marked by humility rather than military might or opulence.

Many other cultures have myths or accounts of gods or messianic figures who come to bring peace or salvation.

However, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is unique in its historical specificity and fulfillment of Jewish Messianic prophecy.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly relate to scientific understandings but rather reflects a historical and theological event.

Modern historical-critical methods of biblical scholarship might explore the event's plausibility and how natural phenomena like crowd dynamics and social movements could contribute to the development of such a narrative.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of this verse.

Some focus on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, while others emphasize the political and social implications of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and how it challenged the existing power structures.

Commentators may also reflect on how the original audience understood Jesus' messianic kingship in contrast to their expectations of a political savior.

Furthermore, commentators often explore the liturgical implications of this passage, particularly how it sets the tone for Holy Week observances in the Christian liturgical calendar.

Luke 19

Luke 19

What does Luke 19:38 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 19:38 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?