The Sounds of Praise: Recognizing the Majesty of the King
"After Jesus had said this, 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." - Luke 19:28-40
As the dust stirred around the feet of the multitude and the sun shone brightly upon the mount of Olives, a profound shift was happening in the atmosphere. Luke 19:28-40 captures the pinnacle of Jesus’ earthly ministry through his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a scene filled with humility, divine orchestration, and an overwhelming outpouring of praise.
In King James Version we read, “After Jesus had said this, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.” Here, Jesus is depicted as not only a traveler but one who is leading the way. This journey is not just geographical; it signifies his resolute march toward his destiny—the cross. He had foretold his death, and this was the beginning of the final chapter of redemption history. The command to ascend to Jerusalem was more than a physical act; it was a spiritual declaration that He was the Messiah, fulfilling prophetic scriptures that spoke of him riding into the city on a humble colt.
In verses 30-31, Jesus instructs his disciples to find a colt that had never been ridden. This detail is significant. In biblical times, a colt or donkey that had never borne a yoke was viewed as holy. Jesus chose an animal of humility, rejecting earthly expectations of a king riding a warrior's steed. This is indicative of how God often operates—seeking out the humble, the lowly, and the overlooked to manifest His glory.
The response of the owners of the colt provides insight into the miraculous nature of this event. When questioned by the owners, the disciples simply proclaim, “the Lord hath need of him.” What a profound statement! God is in need of us—not for His own benefit, for He is self-sufficient, but rather to invite us into His redemptive plan. Each of us has a role to play, a colt to carry Him forward in our lives. When He calls, how do we respond? Are we quick to loose what we hold onto tightly and let Him use us for His purpose?
As Jesus rides down the path, the excitement among the disciples is palpable as they joyfully spread their garments upon the road. Verse 37 describes this jubilation: “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.” Herein lies a beautiful aspect of faith—praising God not only for what we haven’t yet seen but also for what we have experienced. Often, we need to look back at God’s mighty works in our lives as fuel for our current praise.
“Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord,” they cried (v. 38). In their moment of ecstatic worship, they recognized the profound truth—Jesus was their King. Despite the mockery that would soon follow, they identified Him rightly as Messiah, the one who would usher in peace. Their recognition holds eternal significance; it teaches us the importance of acknowledging Christ’s reign in our hearts and lives.
However, opposition arises. The Pharisees, threatened by the praising crowd, asked Jesus to rebuke his followers. His response was profound: “if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (v. 40). This not only highlights the necessity of praise but also serves as a reminder that creation itself longs to proclaim His glory. The heavens and earth declare His majesty and, in their silence, they would cry out, affirming that there is no force capable of stifling the truth of who Jesus is.
As we reflect on this passage, let us examine our own lives. Are we like the disciples, ready to praise at His coming? Are we open to being a vessel for His purposes as the colt was utilized? Let us embrace the duty to shout our praises, both in times of joy and times of struggle, knowing that our King is worthy of every acknowledgment. May we never silence our voices in the presence of opposition. Instead, let us proclaim His goodness loudly, remembering that our praise holds power and significance in the divine narrative of His love and salvation.
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Luke 19:28-40 Artwork
Luke 19:28-40 - "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, 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. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”"
"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, 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. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” They replied, “The Lord needs it.” They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”" - Luke 19:28-40
Luke 19:28
Luke 19:40 - "And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out."
Luke 19:28 - "¶ And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem."
"¶ And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem." - Luke 19:28
Exodus 40:28 - "¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle."
Luke 1:40 - "And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth."
"And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out." - Luke 19:40
Luke 20:40 - "And after that they durst not ask him any question at all."
Luke 9:40 - "And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not."
Ezekiel 40:28 - "And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;"
Luke 6:40 - "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master."
Luke 20:28
Ezekiel 28:11-19
Ezekiel 28:11-19
Luke 12:40 - "Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
Luke 22:40 - "And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation."
"¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle." - Exodus 40:28
Joshua 19:40 - "¶ And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families."
Ezekiel 28:11-19
Ezekiel 28:11-19
Ezekiel 28:11-19
Ezekiel 28:11-19
Luke 11:40 - "Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?"
Luke 2:40 - "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him."
Luke 24:40 - "And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet."
matthew 28:19
Genesis 28-19
matthew 28:19