Worshiped • Luke 19:29-40
By Laura Lee Leathers
On my piano, I have this quote: “Singing: The truth of God put to words.” Thinking about today’s lesson, I found myself singing the song by Terry York and Mark Blankenship, Worthy of Worship. I searched through other hymnals and songbooks and found: Worthy, You Are Worthy, by Don Moen; Worthy Is the Lamb, by Don Wyrtzen; and Worthy Are You, Lord, by Jeff Nelson. In 2018, a new hymn was produced by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shine: Is He Worthy?
First, a definition: “To worship is to declare someone’s (or something’s) worthiness to receive adoration and allegiance (Lifeway).” God created humanity to worship Him, which means giving Him the ultimate priority and wholehearted obedience. Abraham was one of the first-mentioned instances of offering worship to God (Genesis 22:5).
Over the past few weeks, we’ve studied the parables. Now our attention turns toward the final week of Jesus’ life. This lesson focuses on Jesus’ journey to the cross. This is the only time Jesus permits the people to worship Him, fulfilling the prophecy found in Zachariah 9:9. This passage is also known as The Triumphal Entry.
Before you begin the lesson, take a moment to read the event found in the other Gospels: Matthew 21:1-13; Mark 11:1-11; and John 12:12-19. Note the additional details and compare the passages.
Obey (Luke 19:29-24). Going up to Jerusalem, Jesus approached two villages: Bethphage and Bethany. Located in this area is the Mount of Olives, rich in biblical history and the place where Jesus was praying when His enemies came to arrest Him.
Jesus planned every detail regarding His entrance on Palm Sunday. Two disciples were given specific instructions to go ahead to the village. There they would find a colt tied and waiting. Notice it was a colt “on which no one has ever sat.” This may show the unique purpose of the animal, a donkey considered fit for a King (see 1 Kings 1:33,44).
In the next instruction, the disciples knew what to say if anyone asked why they needed the animal. They left, found the colt tied exactly where Jesus said, and answered the question as Jesus directed, “The Lord has need of it.” (v. 31, ESV).
Praise (Luke 35-38). The colt has been secured. The disciples put some of their clothes on the colt, possibly serving as a seating pad, and they also spread garments upon the road. The other Gospels mention branches and palm tree branches also being placed along the road.
Being led on the colt down the Mount of Olives, the entire crowd “began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice.” Jesus was being honored and celebrated as their Messiah and King. What a joyous day it must have been as many worshipped Him and sang praises. Days later, many within this same crowd could call for His crucifixion.
The phrase, “for all the miracles they had seen,” probably references four specific examples of miracles Jesus performed on this final journey to Jerusalem (see Luke 13:10-13; 14:1-6; 17:11-19; 18:35-43.
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.” In Psalms 118:26, the word ‘he’ is used. This day the people cry “King,” confirming the royal emphasis of Jesus. The phrase, “peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven,” echoes the angelic praise found in Luke 2:14. “God is the source of peace, and Jesus would be the instrument to establish peace between God and believers through the cross” (see Rom. 5:1, LifeWay).
Worthy (Luke 19:39-40). Luke is the only writer who gives us the conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees. They were critical of the praise He received and told Him to rebuke His disciples. What they witnessed that Sabbath morning, they perceived to be an act of worship.
Rather than rebuke the disciples, Jesus directs this answer to the Pharisees: “I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out.” Perhaps this referred to a judgment against those who refused to recognize Jesus as Messiah.
However, “the key aspect of this verse is that Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah — the Son of David and the Son of God (LifeWay).”
As we journey to the cross this week, think upon the words of the song, Worthy Is the Lamb: Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing!
Is He Worthy? He Is! The Only One!
Leathers is a member of First Church, Lexington.
