“BLESSED IS THE KING…”
Luke 19:28-48
Key Verse: 19:38
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Coming Tuesday is election day. Who will be the president of the United States is important because whoever is elected will directly impact on all the people over the world since America is such a powerful nation. Even more important, however, is who will be the king of our hearts, as this decision will have a profound effect on our spiritual life and eternal destiny.
Here at the end of Ch19, finally Jesus enters Jerusalem (28-40). On arriving, Jesus cleanses the temple (45-48). I want you to keep in mind that there is just a week from his entry until his death on the cross. During that week, Jesus deliberately revealed Himself as the King, the Lord. Many may expect the president to deliver them from difficult situations. But, Jesus, the king, will deliver us from death to eternal life; he will restore us to be His people – for he is the king of salvation; the king of peace; the king of righteousness. Through this bible study, may we welcome Jesus into our hearts as the King who is worthy of all our praise and worship. May Jesus cleanse and restore our hearts and lives to be His holy people.
The Lord needs it (28-34)
Look at verse 28. “After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.” The author Luke repeatedly mentions Jesus’ trip to Jerusalem. Since the Passover was coming in a week , there were already so many pilgrims to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Most of them were excited with great expectations of the earthly kingdom. At least 3 times, we have heard what would happen to Jesus in Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, Jesus would be betrayed, tried and condemned, mocked, flogged and crucified. He would not receive a crown of glory and power, but a crown of thorns.
Then, why didn’t he run away? Rather, he resolutely went forward without hesitation. It is for the sake of sinners like you and me. It is to fulfill God’s salvation plan to save all sinners from the slavery of sin and death by sacrificing himself as the Lamb for the sin of the world. There is no other way to set sinners free from the law except by paying the price with his blood. Fighting a good fight against fears, doubts, and temptations, Jesus went ahead of the disciples to lay down his life.
Then, Look at verses 29-31. “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 need it.’” Along the way to Jerusalem, Jesus approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the hill called the Mount of Olives, which was about 1 ½ miles from Jerusalem. This time, Jesus gave a special mission to two of his disciples. It was to bring a colt; a young donkey for Jesus to ride. What Jesus said might sound like he was asking them to steal someone’s belongings – An Act of robbery.
How did the disciples bring the colt? Look at verses 32-34. Jesus did not give them some money, but the word of tell “The Lord needs it.” Though they might have wanted to ask questions, they simply obeyed Jesus. They went and found the colt just as Jesus had told them. When they untied it the owner asked, “What are you untying the colt?” The disciples thought they might be arrested and charged with theft. But at that moment, they remembered Jesus’ words and simply replied as Jesus had instructed, saying “The Lord needs it.” Miraculously, the owner of the colt did not ask them any other things back. Instead, he gladly allowed them to take it.
What does this tell us about Jesus? What does “the Lord needs it” mean? Simply it means that Jesus is the Sovereign Lord. Here Jesus’ sovereign Lordship had been well displayed. Jesus had everything prepared. The colt was prepared for his use and even the owner’s heart for him. In Jesus, there is no accident nor co-incident. Jesus has prepared everything to fulfill God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. No one is here to worship God today by accident; each of us is here by God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. Jesus is the Sovereign God. He has prepared everything for us to lead us here! Can you believe it?
Aalso Jesus is the Lord of all creation, so all things belong to him. John 1:3 says, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” Since he is the creator God and all things were made by him and for him, he has the right to use anything as he wants. Though we act like owners of things we possess, we are just His stewards. This is true of our lives, our households, our time and energy, our money, our cars, and our children’s lives.
How would you respond if someone takes your car? Of course, we should call the police. You can call the police if someone is trespassing on your property for it is your right to protect your possessions. It’s a natural reaction because we see ourselves as the owner, the lord of our own lives. We work hard and study hard to achieve degrees or titles, to possess cars or houses. Isn’t it good to work hard for a better house or study hard to get into a good college, and then secure a better job? Then, why should we acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus? Should we have ownership over our own lives?
The lives of those who accept the Lordship of Jesus are completely different from those who do not. They overcome their self-centered natures and live for God’s purpose by obeying His Word. Believing in Christ’s Lordship, they do not abuse, misuse, or waste their lives on the sinful pleasures of the world. This is because they understand they themselves are so precious to God that Jesus redeemed them with His own blood. Rather than living in anxiety, fear of loss or failure, they are grateful and humble, recognizing that all they have are the gifts from God. Instead of being greedy or unthankful, they find joy in being used by God. They are willing to serve His will, gladly sharing in Christ’s sufferings. They are willing to give, to share, and even to make sacrifices for others. Even when they face difficult trials, they overcome sorrow and pain by trusting in God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will.
In Ch20 we will study the parable of the tenants, which teaches the consequences for those who reject the Lordship of Christ. Such people are deceived by the lies of the devil, falling into false hopes or delusions. Then, they rebel against God, and even go as far as to kill the Son of God, mistakenly thinking they can take ownership of the vineyard. But ultimately, they face destruction for their rejection.
Let’s acknowledge Jesus’s Lordship over our lives. Actually, to be used by the Lord is a great blessing and privilege. Christmas is coming up. Mary was a pure country virgin with a sweet marriage dream with Joseph. But, one day an angel of the Lord visited her and delivered God’s will to use her as the mother of Jesus. How did Mary respond? Though she was greatly troubled between God’s will and her dream, she submitted herself to the Lordship of God, saying “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Accepting the Lordship of Christ, she became the most blessed woman among all women as the mother of Jesus.
One day, Job lost everything – his livestock and wealth, his servants, and even his children (seven sons and three daughters). In his grief and despair, he could be the most miserable one. He could kill himself just as his friends encouraged. However, he acknowledged the Lordship of God, God’s sovereignty over him, saying “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21) Overcoming such unbearable pains by trusting God’ sovereignty, Job became the most blessed man who saw his children and their children to the fourth generation.
Isaiah was just one among the noble families of Israel. One day, he saw a vision of the glory of God in the temple, and he was deeply distressed by the sinfulness of his lips. Then, he heard God’s calling “Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?” How did he respond? “Here am I. Send me!” God had blessed him to be the greatest prophet who served 4 kings of Judah – Ussiah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah and prophesied the coming Messiah, Jesus, and even God’s final judgment.
Even among us there are many who accept the Lordship of Christ over their lives and dedicated themselves to campus mission as missionaries, bible teachers and shepherds. In 1960, God needed someone who had compassion and who could plant God’s vision for the poor korean students. Then, Dr. Samuel Lee and Mother Sarah Barry responded to God’s call in faith, dedicating themselves to teaching the word of God. Through them, God had saved so many lives throughout the world. A young computer nerd in Princeton U. responded to God’s calling, saying “Here am I. Send me.” Then, God blessed him to be a shepherd professor for the lost on campuses in Lewis U.
Rather than offering reasonable excuses, all these people simply made themselves available when God needed them by trusting God’s Lordship. Then, God has made them to be blessings for many; God has used them to save many lives. To save many lives, still God needs shepherds and bible teachers for this generation and the generation to come. Even now, God seeks those who will respond to His call—His needs—by faith, saying, “Here am I. Send me!”
II. Blessed is the king (35-48).
Look at verses 35-36. The disciples returned with the donkey, smiling from ear-to-ear. They threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. Look at verses 37-38. “When they came near the place where the road went 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!” What were they doing? Why? They were expressing their homage to Jesus as their King. This gesture was even more meaningful than rolling out a red carpet. These were generally poor people who owned only one cloak, yet they didn’t hesitate to offer it to Jesus. Based on Psalm 118, they were praising Jesus as the king whom God had promised to send.
Matthew and John actually pointed out to us that these events were the fulfillment of God’s prophecy, Zechariah 9:9. Luke did not make this connection. Rather, he focused on what actually happened. It is to emphasize how people welcomed him and praised him as the King. Let us read verse 38. “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Everyone was happy to hear the praise. But some of the Pharisees were not happy because they could not accept Jesus as the King. They were very upset and demanded Jesus to rebuke his disciples (39). Jesus replied, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (40). It means that Jesus is the King who is worthy to receive all praise and glory and honor as the King sent by God. In this way, Jesus deliberately proclaimed and sent the message to all the Jews and also to the whole world.
What is the message Jesus sent to the whole world, to us, to you also? Jesus is the King. Jesus, our king, has come and is entering the city, fulfilling the hopes of the nations. But he is different from the kings of the world.
First of all, Jesus is the humble king, riding on a donkey. In the past, it was customary for a king to enter his capital city on a white charger, accompanied by a splendid entourage to display his power, glory, and majesty, so that his subjects would submit to his authority without question. However, Jesus was riding on a donkey. No one felt intimidated or awed; in fact, some likely laughed at Him. With election day approaching, both Trump and Harris are doing everything they can to show their strength and worthiness to be president. Neither wants to reveal any weaknesses, as humility is often seen as a sign of weakness.
But Consider who Jesus is. Jesus is the Creator God. All things were created by him ; things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him” (Col 1:16) This Jesus, who is in very nature God, humbled himself; made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant. (Php 2:6-7) Moreover, he became the sacrificial lamb for our sins.
Praise Jesus, the humble king. He did not wait for sinners to come, but first came to sinners; served sinners. There is no barrier, no security or bodyguard. Anyone can come to him freely. Humble Jesus welcomes all people! Tax collectors, prostitutes, smelly homeless baggers, even lepers testified “Jesus is my friend!” What a great King! What a great Friend! Otherwise, it is impossible for sinners to be friend of the King, Jesus
Secondly, Jesus is the king of space. People shouted, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Everyone wants peace, but no one finds peace in the world. Everyone lives in this world full of anxiety and stress. They are lonely, fearful and vulnerable. People try to look strong and impressive, but inside they are tormented by dark thoughts and the devil’s lies. Last Monday, a young mom jumped to her death in Niagara Falls with her two little children – 9 years old son, 5 months daughter. We don’t know why she did it. No one can deny that she must have been tormented to the point of committing such terrible act. Her children, her boyfriend, the hope of a new election, and even beautiful Niagara Falls did not give her peace. In reality, we actually surrounded by all kinds of troubles; financial trouble, problems at work, a hard load of school studies, or relationship conflicts. Many people use drugs or alcohol or smoke to find peace. But it just makes things worse.
How can we have such peace that overcomes all troubles? Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn 14:27). Jesus is the prince of peace. Jesus himself is our peace (Eph 2:14). Jesus satisfied God’s righteousness at the cross to give us peace. In this world, we will have troubles. But, take heart!! Why? Jesus has overcome the world, and Jesus gives us His peace that demolishes all worries and anxieties. In Christ Jesus, we have peace in all circumstance. Praise, Jesus, the king of peace!
Let him come into our hearts as the king. Then, the peace of Christ rules our hearts. This peace guards our minds and hearts; enables us to handle all kinds of challenges, and to serve God joyfully! With this peace, we can overcome the world!
Thirdly, Jesus is the king of salvation. Jesus’ purpose of entering Jerusalem as King was to suffer and die for our sins. Through his death, Jesus destroys the power of sin and sets sinners free from its slavery. Not only that, but through his resurrection from death, Jesus gives us eternal life in the kingdom of God. Praise Jesus, our King, who rescues us from the hands of our enemies and gives us true freedom and eternal life. This is the deliverance Jesus brings to us! This is the salvation that Jesus offers to all who accepts him and believe him. It is our living hope in Christ Jesus alone.
Finally, Jesus is the compassionate King. Look at verses 41-44. As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it (41). Looking at the beautiful and marvelous city of Jerusalem, Jesus wept. Why? It was because Jesus knew the impending God’s judgment over Jerusalem. Jesus, the Messiah, came to Jerusalem. But His own people rejected him and even killed him on a cross. They did not realize how serious this was. By rejecting Jesus, they brought God’s wrath upon themselves.
Look at verses 42-44. Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem. In AD 70, Roman armies sieged Jerusalem since the Israelite rebels escaped into Jerusalem city. The Roman armies surrounded the city for several months; no one came in or out. Countless people died from hunger. The Roman soldiers destroyed the walls and invaded the city. They massacred more than a million of jews including women and children, burning and destroying all the buildings including the temple until not one stone was left on another. Rejecting Jesus as King is not a small matter. It brings God’s righteous judgment.
Jesus is not a king who is indifferent to how people suffer under the power of sin or struggle with their weaknesses. He is a compassionate King who suffers alongside us and weeps for us. That is why Jesus came into this world and why He is going to die on the cross. Jesus is the king who cares for us; suffers for us; sacrificed himself for us. Because of his compassion, he will take all our sins upon himself and set us free. Praise Jesus, who is the compassionate king.
Jesus is also the righteous king. Look at verses 45-46. What was the first thing Jesus did upon arriving in Jerusalem? He entered the temple courts and drove out those who were selling (45). Jesus taught them: “It is written, ‘My house will be a house of prayer’ but you have made it a den of robbers” (46). Every day he taught at the temple. The religious leaders did not repent at all. They were trying to kill Jesus (47). Jesus, the righteous king, cleanses and restores the temple as the house of prayer and bible study center.
We ourselves are God’s temple where the Spirit of God dwells. However, we have invited other things into our hearts, homes, and church such as all kinds of businesses, worldly pleasures, and ambitions for success. As a result, we have lost our identity and God’s purpose for our lives. Praise Jesus, the king of righteousness, who cleanse our hearts and restore us to be God’s holy Children of God; a Kingdom of priests and holy nation. Taking the word of truth, we may repent of our compromising and complacent hearts and throw away the lies of the world, but have a pure and clear purpose to live for the glory of God. Obeying His words, we may cleanse and restore our hearts as the house of prayer for one lost sheep, campus mission and world mission.
Jesus is the humble King, the King of peace, and the King of salvation. Jesus is the King of kings. When King Jesus rules our hearts, we are full of joy and peace and life. When King Jesus rules our families, they are filled with peace and love. Would you let Trump or Harris be your king? Let Jesus, our King, come into our hearts.