Written by Paul J Bucknell on April, 15, 2019

Luke 19:28-40 Christ’s Royal Entry

Palm Sunday Before the Crucifixion

Palm Sunday is a highly celebrated day in many churches. Rightly so, all four Gospel writers present this scene of Jesus’ royal entry into Jerusalem, marking off Passion Week. As I reflect on this passage and our current scene of Christianity in this post-modern world, I find its importance is heightened. Today, The church boasts of a Savior who forgives but rarely acknowledges Jesus as the king to follow. Even the world, which typically despises the cross, at funerals wants to squeeze their loved ones into heaven. Today’s consumerism provides a backdrop for this approach, prioritizing a person’s choice and desires as most important. In the 1980s, professing Christians debated whether Christ needed to be a Savior and Lord or just a Savior. This confusion further signifies the importance of understanding why each of the four Gospel writers included Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

This Palm Sunday account provides an uncontestable answer—Jesus’ Saviorship can never be separated from His Lordship. This separation can only be made at our peril. Man’s original sin created the need for a priest in the first place. God has shared His glory with people from the beginning. Woe is our generation who confesses forgiveness but rarely acknowledges the need to obey. Admittedly, Jesus’ entry into Passion Week offers Christ’s suffering, but this royal entry reminds us of a larger majestic purpose being drawn around that week’s significant events.

Before looking more closely at our passage, I would like to present how Passion Week’s events forever unified the two roles of kingship and priesthood in the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of David. The Jewish kings and priests regularly are displayed as incapable of properly serving God, but Jesus the Messiah stands as the faithful leader and king who remembers the needs of His people. This is so different from hearing how certain African chieftains sold their young men for slavery in exchange for trinkets. King Jesus humbled Himself and became God’s slave to take our sins upon Him (Isaiah 53:10-12), liberating us to become His kingdom and live in His presence forever. An appropriate summary is found in Revelation 5.

⁴ And I began to weep greatly, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look into it; ⁵ and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” ⁶ And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. (Revelation 5:4-6, NASB and elsewhere)

Although we are told that the Lion from the tribe of Judah has overcome in verse 5, we read of a slain Lamb in verse 6 instead. Much of the scriptures are engaged in bringing these two roles together, the king and priest. The portrait of Melchizedek, a forerunner of Jesus the Lord and Priest, unifies these two positions into one (Gen 14:18; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:1-17). 

Jesus, as King, faithfully leads His people into eternal life by sacrificing His life for them.

All the Gospel writers recorded this significant Royal Entrance into Jerusalem to mark Jesus’ final ascension to Jerusalem, kicking off Passion Week when Jesus would be killed and die on the cross. Each Gospel writer presented these conflicting scenes: Jesus’ exultation and crucifixion. With this backdrop of Jesus’ royal position, the cruel scenes are not just cries from Jesus, the victim, but the one who timely laid down His life to cleanse His people from their sins (Isaiah 53:10-12).

1.) Jesus’ Royal Destiny (Luke 19:28-34)

²⁸ And after He had said these things, He was going on ahead, ascending to Jerusalem. ²⁹ And it came about that when He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, ³⁰ saying, “Go into the village opposite you, in which as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it, and bring it here. ³¹ “And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ thus shall you speak, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” ³² And those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. ³³ And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” ³⁴ And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” (Luke 19:28-34)

These verses (Luke 19:28-34), the longest of this section, interestingly describe the details of finding an unridden colt. The colt catches the Gospel writers’ interest and our own eye. Something is outstanding about this scene. Can you recognize it? There are several elements: Jesus seeks out a colt; Jesus sends His disciples to fetch the colt; Jesus’ confidence that there is such a colt; and finally, Jesus’ knowledge that the owner will give permission for Jesus to ride the colt. 

At first, we might consider these verses unimportant, but the more we read, the more intriguing they become, and we actually wish they would be longer and offer more explanation. For example, why did Jesus feel compelled to fetch “a colt tied, on which no one yet has ever sat” (30)? Or, where did Jesus gain the knowledge that the owner would ask what they are untying the colt for or even the fact that Jesus knew that the owner would release it to them? Starting in verse 32, we see it all happen just as Jesus had foreseen. 

It’s hard to attach the word “prophecy” to these words because, in some sense, they are unspectacular but still significant, like road signs, revealing the steps leading Jesus to the destiny of His royal reign and its obligations. Five days later, Jesus answered Pilate’s words, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this, I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). An extraordinary sense of destiny surrounded these words and Jesus’ actions. 

Each of the four Gospels mentions the seemingly insignificant colt and highlights Jesus’ grand ascension into Jerusalem before His death on the cross (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12). The colt has two significant Old Testament prophecies attached to it, the first recorded in Jacob’s prophecies of his son Judah, connecting it to the future reign of the Messiah in Genesis 49:11.

¹⁰ “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. ¹¹ “He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine.… (Genesis 49:10-11).

Shiloh is best understood as the Messiah, the promised One to lead His people. Verse 11, though not very specific, does importantly identify the colt with the beginning of this Messiah’s kingship.

Much more pointedly, the New Testament Gospel writers, piggybacking upon the Genesis 49 passage, quote the prophecy of the Jews promised king into Jerusalem.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout [in triumph,] O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14-15)

The events crowd together, almost in a magical way, presetting the last steps of Jesus. Each Gospel writer consumes so much time and space writing about this last week where the first three Jewish feasts, Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits, are fulfilled in Christ. And so, even as the stars lined up pointing to Jesus’ birth of a King, now we see them leading to His entry as king. Nothing could change this. God predestined this path of events leading up to this entry into Jerusalem down to the last details. All the universe was set in motion to respond to God’s decree that Jesus is King, even to the specific details of the Messiah riding on a never-ridden colt. (These purebred colts were not easy to find!) Jesus’ words, “The Lord” or The Ruler (Greek: kurios) “has need of it” signifies God’s unique way of working in the lives of others for them to concur with their part in God’s more excellent plan.

2.) Jesus’ Kingly Acclamation (Luke 19:35-37)

³⁵ And they brought it to Jesus, and they threw their garments on the colt, and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ And as He was going, they were spreading their garments in the road. ³⁷ And as He was now approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen. (Luke 19:35-37)

Two different crowds converged on the path Jesus, mounted on the colt, used to slowly ascend to Jerusalem. The first crowd set off with Jesus when He left Bethany for Jerusalem. This group broadly gained excitement from Jesus’ gift of life to Lazarus. Even the Pharisees plotted Lazarus’ death, seeing so many Jews believed in Jesus. “But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus to death also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away, and were believing in Jesus” (John 12:10-11). 

John 11 is the only Gospel recording because the Jews became highly excited about Jesus. We need to think back to when Jesus fed the 5000. The crowd insisted on making Jesus King (John 6:15), but He refused. But now, Jesus allowed their chants to escort Him into Jerusalem as King. He would not get a welcome from those living in Jerusalem, curious as they might be, but from the outsiders visiting Jerusalem due to the Passover feast. They saw Jesus’ miracles and acclaimed His greatness.

¹² On the next day the great multitude who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³ took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet Him, and began to cry out (John 12:12-13).

So we see them throwing their garments on the colt and the ground ahead of the colt. Their excitement increased when the ascending group met up with the multitude descending from Jerusalem with the palm branches. John tells us why the palms became part of the official name, describing “Palm Sunday.”

Perhaps, Bethany, only two miles off from Jerusalem, some followers had earlier that day gone to Jerusalem to tell people about Jesus, Lazarus’ resurrection, and that Jesus was coming. Everyone was looking for Him, but this time, Jesus did not come in stealth but in open shouts, declaring His glorious ways. So we find the two large crowds of people joining together along the path, finding complete agreement and starting to acclaim Jesus’ greatness because of the miracles they had seen. 

We can only understand the power of the cross in light of Jesus’ kingship. The mounted colt ride became Jesus’ coronation ride into His city to assume kingship. He was unabashedly hailed as king, partly through the people’s excitement when they saw Jesus command Lazarus to rise from the dead but also from others who had seen His miracles and enjoyed His teaching. But it is doubtful whether they really understood the implications of the words they customarily chanted, being part of the Hallel, Psalms 113-118, sung by the pilgrims coming into Jerusalem for the Passover.

Are you a believer in Jesus? Do you recognize Jesus only as a good teacher? This is insufficient. Crowds testified that Jesus raised Lazarus, even though Lazarus was wrapped in cloths and left dead for four days. You might not believe it, but they saw this miracle. Even the Pharisees did not deny the miracle but instead plotted to get rid of Lazarus. 

The heir to the throne, the Son of David, the Promised King, the Messiah was going through Jerusalem’s gate with all the fanfare, sitting upon the colt as the coming king chanting Psalm 118.

¹⁹ Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the LORD. ²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD; The righteous will enter through it. (Psalms 118:19-20)

Amidst all the traumatic events surrounding Jesus’ death on the cross, we are not to lose sight of Jesus entering His gates as King. This was, after all, the charge against Jesus, nailed above Him on the cross, “King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26), even written in three languages. The Jewish leaders didn’t like how everyone walking up to Jerusalem would see this sign and protest, but the Romans prevailed over their objection. The sign stood firm again, affirming His coronation. This scene, although powerful, is succeeded by a much more incredible spectacle recorded within heaven’s portals.

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 7:9-12)

Notice this fantastic conclusion to the celebration and waving of palm branches high in the sky acclaiming Jesus as King. Please carefully note that the great multitude is now not just pilgrims to Jerusalem who believe in Jesus but those worldwide who see Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Revelation potently presents the multitudes acclaiming, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” It is a true sign of how the heroic and proud king  (“sits on the throne) went to die for His people so that those around the world could be part of His blessed kingdom.

Jesus was not just a good teacher but a valiant King who took on the sins of His people and died for them. Jesus is King and demands worship, not just a small indebted part of your life. He asks for your whole devotion and is indeed worthy of it.

3.) Jesus’ Sovereign Reign (Luke 19:38-40)

³⁸ saying, “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” ³⁹ And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” ⁴⁰ And He answered and said, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:38-40)

Luke doesn’t quote as many Old Testament prophecies as the other Gospel writers, perhaps to remain focused (which we will later point out). There are, however, many pertinent observations here. First, notice that Jesus is declared king. He is the One coming in the Name of God—as clearly made manifest through the miracles. We are not clear whether they believed it, just dreamed of their own king, or were quoting verses along with many others during the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Since the disciples did not fully comprehend the significance of this event until after Jesus rose from the dead, we assume the people did not either. Still, they all served as part of this coronation ceremony. “These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him” (John 12:16).

Again, like the stars aligning at His birth and the prophecies of the Old Testament, we see everything aligning with this proclamation of Jesus as King of the Jews. Jesus even rebukes the obstinacy of the Pharisees mentioned in verses 39-40, saying, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40) This is Jesus’ coronation. Nothing can stop the destiny of the promised Son of David from taking up His throne. Nor can anyone ever take it from Him. Yes, they would kill Him, but He would rise from the dead.

²⁹ “Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ And so, because he was a prophet, and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS UPON HIS THRONE, ³¹ he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. ³² This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. ³³ Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:29-33). 

Let us step back further and examine three key points as we summarize this passage’s important teaching.

(a) The Kingly Prophecy (Luke 19:38)

In Luke 19:38, we read, “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” The capitals indicate that the words are a quote from the Old Testament. John, in 12:13, writes a similar line, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” 

We are quite sure that the Israelites did not fully comprehend what they were saying, but still, the people made this announcement. This is clearly stated in Psalm 118:26, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” Who is the blessed one that comes? Clearly, the King of Israel is Jesus. 

“Hosanna” literally means “Save us!” It transformed from a prayer to a declaration of praise, “He saved us!” The people of God are happy that the King of Israel reigns and rules over them. So we see this prophecy of Jesus clearly indicates that this was no ordinary event, even though the people did not fully recognize it. This became Jesus’ royal entrance into His city and people and to take up His throne. 

(b) The Priestly Sacrifice (Psalm 118:22-29)

²² The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. ²³ This is the LORD’S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. ²⁴ This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. ²⁵ O LORD, do save, we beseech Thee; O LORD, we beseech Thee, do send prosperity!  ²⁶ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD; We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. ²⁷ The LORD is God, and He has given us light; Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. ²⁸ Thou art my God, and I give thanks to Thee; Thou art my God, I extol Thee. ²⁹ Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 118:22-29)

Psalm 118 was the last of the Hallel Psalms song during Passover (113-118). Much of the scriptures were, like keys in huge locks, turning and opening the fulfillment of age-old, golden prophecies. Besides Jesus’ kingship, other divine events are being orchestrated and divulged. Yes, earlier, there was the declaration of the king’s entry into Jerusalem from these verses. Still, there are also startling prophecies about the sacrifice that must also be fulfilled in these verses. Although the evil one is the architect of evil, the Lord wonderfully uses all of creation and the events of the world to fulfill His greater purposes. Let’s note two of these must-be-fulfilled prophecies.

(#1) “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone” (Ps 118:22).

Jesus clearly points out that though He was acclaimed as king, in just a few days, He would be clearly rejected (Isaiah 53, Mat 21:42; Mar 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7). Yes, there were Jews from other parts of Israel that believed, but many in Jerusalem itself did not. In Matthew, Jesus even rebukes his disciples, “Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures…?” Jesus’ rejection is clearly prophesied as His suffering, death, coronation, and resurrection (“in three days”).

(#2) “Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar” (Ps 118:27).

Passover was quickly approaching. This is why all the crowds left their homes and assembled in and around Jerusalem. Everyone was preparing for Passover, getting their lamb ready. They would have the one-year-old lamb but not kill it until the right time. Jesus knew that He would not only be King but also Priest. As a Priest who could offer up a sufficient sacrifice, He would be the faithful Priest who would offer up His life as a sacrifice. 

Jesus, as Priest, faithfully secures a sacrifice that will once and for all bring forgiveness.

So, although this Psalm identifies Jesus Christ as the prophesied King, it also points to His death, although perhaps only Jesus could understand its full significance. Jesus, Himself would be bound and become the festival sacrifice. The wrath of God would come upon Him rather than upon the people of God, that is, those who believed in Him. The believers would find salvation and give great thanks. 

Again, we find the King and Priest positions and responsibilities merge into one person, the one Christ Jesus. This is why Jesus had to subtly ascend the throne to accomplish His work as king and make a way to salvation and a relationship with Him.

(c) Luke’s Overall Perspective

Our last point becomes a wrap-up point. Luke’s words record world events, or should we say other-worldly events, coming to fulfillment in the person of Jesus the Messiah. The angels had a clear message, which was then passed on to others.

 ¹¹ For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:11-14)

From the beginning of this long book of Luke, we find that God controls earthly affairs and heaven. Jesus was destined to be heralded as king as well as Savior. Jesus’ genealogy proved His Davidic lineage, and the angels’ proclamation, 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14).

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. ³¹ “And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. ³² “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. (Luke 1:30-32)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.” (Mat 2:1-2)

“BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38).

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with the multitudes shouting praise began Passion Week, including Jesus’ betrayal, Last Supper, unjust trial, death on the cross, and resurrection. The first three Jewish feasts (Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits) were fulfilled in 8 days. Again, if we only focus on Jesus’ death, we will miss the more immense significance of what is happening. Jesus’ death was not to gain sympathy and identify with the helpless, nor was he a victim of reckless mob action but the plan for the King of the Jews to show His power by dying for His people. In this, the Messiah’s death, we do not see carelessness but careful and wise planning to surely save the remnant of the people of God.

There are many helpless views of Jesus. Some assume Jesus was a victim, a needless casualty, but these views are totally insufficient for God’s heroic and loving King. What king would give his life for his people? What king would seek out the best for His people if it meant stepping off the throne and being lifted up to the cross? 

Our world is as politically focused as ever. As I travel, I always hear and see the results of corrupt Presidents and Prime Ministers. One sees the result in the lives of the people. The leaders, though persuaded to help straighten things, get caught up in their own lives and policies and forget the people they serve. Rare are the leaders who serve their people and instead live in the palaces and enjoy all sorts of luxuries. This whole notion of a king, president, or prime minister to serve the people is a very Christian concept. Remember not to get carried away with this world’s political scenes for Jesus Himself: “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm’” (John 18:36). Be involved, especially in seeking justice, but let the sights of earth always be dwarfed in light of Christ’s rulership.

Summary

God appointed Adam the first king, but Adam sought his own way, forsook his loyalty, and set a lower standard for leaders. Jesus, as the second Adam but also a descendant of David, the Son of Man, stepped up and laid down His life so that those who believe in Him might have eternal life. 

Promises don’t save. Jesus had to come and fulfill those promises of a King who would come into Jerusalem.

Policies don’t save. Make whatever economic and social changes you like, but does that take away our sins? No. Do such promises bring eternal life? Hardly, for we all still die. Jesus’ promises and faithful life all lead to a greater hope not built on the stagnant water of this world but in the glorious kingdom of God. Jesus, as the perfect King, laid down His life for His people.

Our hope is not in this world but in Christ’s kingdom which transcends into eternity. Entry into that kingdom, whether poor or rich, Jew or Gentile, all begins at the work of the Savior. He died for our sins. He who loved us died for us to enter and be His glad servants, rejoicing in His leadership. Leaders tinker with promises and policies in this world, hoping to sway the people’s support, but no one is like Jesus, who put His life on the cross.