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 19:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse Luke 19:28 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible describes a moment when Jesus Christ moves ahead of the crowd, leading the way towards Jerusalem.

This is a significant moment as it reflects Jesus' resolve to face the events that await Him in Jerusalem, including His eventual arrest, suffering, and crucifixion.

The ascension to Jerusalem is both a literal journey uphill towards the city, which is situated on higher ground, and a symbolic ascent towards the completion of His earthly ministry.

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Historical Context

The verse is part of the narrative leading up to the Passion Week, which is the final week of Jesus' life before His crucifixion.

The journey to Jerusalem coincides with the Jewish festival of Passover, a time when the city would be filled with people from all over the region.

In the Jewish tradition, Passover commemorates the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery, and it was one of the three pilgrimage festivals where Jews traveled to Jerusalem.

Theological Insights

Christian theologians view this verse as the beginning of the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry. Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem signifies His submission to the divine will, as well as His courage and determination to fulfill the prophecies about the Messiah.

From a Christological perspective, Jesus' actions are seen as intentional and directed by His awareness of His role as the Savior.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire individuals to face their own challenges with courage and determination. It also serves as a reminder to lead by example, as Jesus did by going before His disciples.

Moreover, this verse encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when facing difficult or uncertain paths.

Cross-References

"And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid.

And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him," Mark 10:32.

"And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem," Luke 9:51.

Language Study

The phrase "ascending up to Jerusalem" is significant as the word "ascending" (ἀναβαίνων, anabainōn) in the original Greek implies more than just a physical act of going up; it often symbolizes a movement towards a significant event.

This echoes the importance of Jerusalem not just topographically, but also as the central place for significant events in Jesus' ministry.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The "ascension" to a holy city or place is a theme seen in various religions.

For example, in Islam, the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) involved ascending to the heavens.

In comparison, the ascent to Jerusalem does not imply a divine elevation but rather a solemn approach towards the fulfillment of a religious prophecy.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to specific scientific concepts, modern geography and archaeology support the understanding of Jerusalem as situated on elevated terrain. This adds a factual basis to the depiction of Jesus' journey as an ascent.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have provided insights into Luke 19:28:

John Gill mentions that Jesus' proceeding before the disciples showed His willingness and readiness to go to Jerusalem and suffer and die for the sins of His people.
Matthew Henry outlines that Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was undertaken with a full knowledge of the sufferings that awaited Him, highlighting His bravery and obedience to God's will.
The Pulpit Commentary emphasizes the solemnity of the moment depicted, where Jesus is going ahead into suffering and death, fulfilling His mission as the Redeemer.

Luke 19

Luke 19

What does Luke 19:28 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 19:28 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?