Pastor’s Table Blog

Sermon Summary: Luke 19:28-48

By Pastor David Hentschel

In Luke 19:28-48, we are drawn into the last week of Jesus’ life with a passage about “worship.” This passage unfolds in three significant movements, each carrying profound implications for our understanding of Jesus' mission and message.

Part 1: The Coming King

The passage begins with Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Riding on a donkey, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing humility and peace. The crowds rejoice, spreading their cloaks on the road and waving palm branches, shouting, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Luke 19:38). This moment is a powerful declaration of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the King who brings salvation. Yet, it also sets the stage for the tension between the expectations of the people and the reality of Jesus' mission.

Part 2: The Coming Destruction

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He weeps over the city, foreseeing its impending destruction (Luke 19:41-44). He laments, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes." This sorrowful prediction underscores the consequences of rejecting God's visitation through Jesus. The destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 becomes a historical fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, a sobering reminder of the importance of recognizing and responding to God's call.

Part 3: The Coming Showdown at the Temple

The final movement of this passage takes place in the temple. Jesus enters the temple courts and drives out those who were selling, declaring, "It is written, 'My house will be a house of prayer'; but you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" (Luke 19:46). This act of cleansing the temple is a direct challenge to the corrupt practices and authorities of the time. It signifies Jesus' authority and His commitment to restoring true worship. This confrontation sets the stage for the escalating conflict that will lead to His crucifixion.

Dr. Darrell Bock notes that it was these two events—the triumphal entry and the cleansing of the temple—that aggravated the religious leaders beyond what they could contain. These are the two matches set “to the barrel of gasoline.” (Bock, Luke, Baker commentary, p 1550) This would explode in conflict.

Luke 19:28-48 encapsulates the tension and drama of the final days of Jesus' earthly ministry. As we reflect on these events, we are invited to consider our own response to Jesus. Do we recognize Him as our King? Do we heed His call to peace and repentance? Are we committed to genuine worship and transformation in our lives and communities?

Author Henry Nouwen writes, “Jesus went to Jerusalem, to announce the good news to the people of that city. And Jesus knew that he was going to put a choice before them: Will you be my disciple, or will you be my executioner? There is no middle ground here, Jesus went to Jerusalem to put people in a situation where they had to say yes or no.”

As we journey through this passage, may we be moved by the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus, and may it lead us to a deeper faith and commitment to His kingdom.