Journey to Jerusalem

The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples ahead.” (Luke 19:28-29)

I. Jesus presents himself as Messiah (28-34)

A. He approaches from the Mount of Olives (28-29)

The glory of the LORD went up from within the city and stopped above the mountain east of it.” (Ezekiel 11:23)

“On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.” (Zechariah 14:4)

B. He sends for the tethered colt (30)

• He sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here.” (Luke 19:30)

• “The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs and the obedience of the nations is his. He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch; he will wash his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.” (Genesis 49:10-11)

 C. He calls himself “Lord” (31-34)

31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So 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 19:31-34)

“The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” (Psalm 110:1)

II. The people proclaim Jesus as Messiah (35-38)

A. They place him on the donkey (35)

1. By placing Jesus on the donkey for his entry into the city, the people were proclaiming him as king.

2. It is significant that Jesus rides into the city on a donkey rather than a horse.

3. The donkey figures prominently in another one of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament

  B. They spread their cloaks before him (36)

“As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.” (Luke 19:36)

  C. They shout his praises (37-38)

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 118:24-26)

The angels’ song at Christ’s birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

The people’s declaration at his entry into Jerusalem: “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38)

III. Jesus accepts their praise of him as Messiah (39-40)

  A. The Pharisees object to the people’s praise of Jesus (39)

“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’” (Luke 19:39)

  B. Jesus affirms the people’s praise (40)

“I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40)

1) It is impossible for the disciples to keep quiet

2) The stones will cry out in praise:

3) The stones will cry out in judgment:

11 For the stone will cry out from the wall, and the beam from the woodwork respond 12 “Woe to him who builds a town with blood and founds a city on iniquity!