Palm Sunday 2023: His Relentless Pursuit (Luke 19:28-42)
Verses 28-29 There is a strong contrast in this section between the rejoicing of the crowd over Jesus’ entry and the lamenting and weeping of Jesus over the coming rejection of the people and the destruction of Jerusalem.
Verse 30 Jesus’ confidence about the animal’s availability, location, and condition, demonstrates his total control and knowledge of the events.
- In the OT 1 Sam 6:7 it was required that an animal that had never been yoked or ridden be used to carry the Ark of the Covenant.
Verse 31 Jesus knows the animal’s location, he knows that it is tied up, he knows that it has never been ridden, he knows they will be asked why they are taking it, and he knows that his word given through the disciples will be enough to obtain the animal. Total control of the situation.
Verse 33-34 The answer that Jesus told them to use works, just like he said it would.
- The word used here as “Lord” is “master” or “sir” and is a title of respect, but would not have conveyed Lordship.
- The obedience of the colt’s owners doesn’t come from the use of the title Lord.
Verse 35 The story now takes a regal turn and the disciples put their outer garments on the colt another scene fit for someone who is about to be made king.
Verse 36 This was a common practice of the day to pay respect to people of high position and regal status.
- In fact, this incident is reminiscent of when Jehu was anointed king in the OT book 2 Kings 9:13.
- In Matt 21:8 it says 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. This is where Palm Sunday comes from.
Verse 37 The word for loud (loud voices) is actually the word “mega.” And the word translated in many English versions as “miracles” is the word power. “So, they praised God with a mega voice for all the power they had seen.”
- Certainly, they have plenty to sing praises about. But they probably don’t fully understand what Jesus is doing.
- So, they may at least in part be singing praises based on what they hope Jesus is about to do.
Verse 38 The first phrase is from Psalm 118:26 and alludes to a king leading pilgrim to the temple and receiving a greeting of welcome from the priests at the temple.
- The second phrase is very similar in wording to Lk 2:14 when the angels sang about Jesus’ birth.
- So, in this little song we Jesus’ birth remembered as well as king imagery.
Verse 40 Jesus says that if his followers stop praising him then creation itself would cry out in testimony to him.
- This verse also recalls Isaiah 55:12, where the mountains and hills “burst into song” and the tress of the field “clap their hands,” rejoicing at God’s deliverance. There is also an allusion to Habakkuk 2:11.
Verse 41 There is now a change in emphasis here to that of Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem.
- It went from the crowd rejoicing over Jesus, to Jesus weeping over those that have rejected Him.
- What is striking here in this verse is the word translated “wept” it refers to full sobbing or wailing.
Verse 42 The reference to peace is two-fold. Spiritual and physical