Written by Paul J Bucknell on April, 12, 2025

Luke 19:28-40 Christ’s Royal Entry

Palm Sunday Before the Crucifixion

Palm Sunday is a widely celebrated day in many churches. Rightly so, all four Gospel writers depict this scene of Jesus’ royal entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Passion Week. As I reflect on this passage and the current state of Christianity in our post-modern world, I find its importance heightened. Today, the church proclaims a Savior who forgives but often overlooks Jesus as the king to follow. Even the world, which typically rejects the cross, seeks to usher their loved ones into heaven at funerals. Today’s consumerism frames this mindset, prioritizing personal choices and desires above all else. In the 1980s, professing Christians debated whether Christ should be regarded as both Savior and Lord or just as Savior. This confusion further emphasizes the need to understand why each of the four Gospel writers included Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

This Palm Sunday account provides an undeniable answer—Jesus’ Saviorship can never be separated from His Lordship. This separation can only occur at our peril. Man’s original sin created the need for a priest in the first place. God has shared His glory with humanity from the beginning. Woe to our generation, which confesses forgiveness but rarely acknowledges the need for obedience. Admittedly, Jesus’ entry into Passion Week signifies Christ’s suffering, but this royal entry also reminds us of a larger majestic purpose surrounding that week’s significant events.

Before examining our passage more closely, I would like to explain how the events of Passion Week forever unified the roles of kingship and priesthood in the Messiah, Jesus, the Son of David. The Jewish kings and priests are often portrayed as incapable of properly serving God, while Jesus the Messiah stands as the faithful leader and king who remembers the needs of His people. This starkly contrasts with accounts of certain African chieftains who sold their young men into slavery in exchange for trinkets. King Jesus humbled Himself, becoming God’s servant to bear our sins (Isaiah 53:10-12), liberating us to become His kingdom and live in His presence forever. An appropriate summary can be found in Revelation 5.

⁴ And I began to weep greatly, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look into it; ⁵ and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” ⁶ And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. (Revelation 5:4-6, NASB and elsewhere)

Although we are told that the Lion of the tribe of Judah has overcome in verse 5, we instead read of a slain Lamb in verse 6. Much of the scripture engages in bringing these two roles together: the king and the priest. The portrait of Melchizedek, a forerunner of Jesus as Lord and Priest, unifies these two positions into one (Gen 14:18; Ps 110:4; Heb 7:1-17). 

Jesus, as King, faithfully leads His people into eternal life by sacrificing His life for them.

All the Gospel writers recorded this significant Royal Entrance into Jerusalem to mark Jesus’ final arrival in the city, beginning Passion Week when He would be killed and die on the cross. Each Gospel writer presented these contrasting scenes: Jesus’ triumph and crucifixion. Against the backdrop of Jesus’ royal status, the cruel scenes are not merely cries from Jesus, the victim, but from the one who willingly laid down His life to cleanse His people from their sins (Isaiah 53:10-12).

1.) Jesus’ Royal Destiny (Luke 19:28-34)

²⁸ And after He had said these things, He was going on ahead, ascending to Jerusalem. ²⁹ And it came about that when He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mount that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, ³⁰ saying, “Go into the village opposite you, in which as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it, and bring it here. ³¹ “And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ thus shall you speak, ‘The Lord has need of it.’” ³² And those who were sent went away and found it just as He had told them. ³³ And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” ³⁴ And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” (Luke 19:28-34)

These verses (Luke 19:28-34), the longest in this section, interestingly describe the details of finding an unridden colt. The colt captures the Gospel writers’ interest and our attention. Something remarkable about this scene stands out. Can you identify it? Several elements contribute: Jesus seeks out a colt; Jesus sends His disciples to retrieve the colt; Jesus’ confidence that such a colt exists; and finally, Jesus’ knowledge that the owner will allow Him to ride the colt. 

At first, we may consider these verses unimportant; however, the more we read, the more intriguing they become, and we actually wish they were longer and provided more explanation. For instance, why did Jesus feel compelled to fetch “a colt tied, on which no one yet has ever sat” (30)? Also, how did Jesus know that the owner would ask why they were untying the colt, or that the owner would release it to them? Starting in verse 32, we witness everything unfold just as Jesus had foreseen. 

It’s challenging to associate the word “prophecy” with these words because, in some ways, they are unremarkable yet still significant, like road signs that indicate the steps leading Jesus to the fulfillment of His royal reign and its responsibilities. Five days later, Jesus responded to Pilate’s question, “So You are a king?” Jesus replied, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this, I have been born, and for this, I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). A profound sense of destiny enveloped these words and Jesus’ actions. 

Each of the four Gospels references the seemingly insignificant colt and emphasizes Jesus’ grand entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12). The colt is associated with two significant Old Testament prophecies, the first recorded in Jacob’s blessings to his son Judah, linking it to the future reign of the Messiah in Genesis 49:11.

¹⁰ “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes, And to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. ¹¹ “He ties his foal to the vine, And his donkey’s colt to the choice vine.… (Genesis 49:10-11).

Shiloh is best understood as the Messiah, the promised One who will lead His people. Verse 11, while not very specific, importantly identifies the colt with the onset of this Messiah’s kingship. More pointedly, the New Testament Gospel writers, drawing on the Genesis 49 passage, quote the prophecy concerning the Jews' promised king entering Jerusalem.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout [in triumph,] O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9; John 12:14-15)

The events crowd together in an almost magical way, presetting the final steps of Jesus. Each Gospel writer dedicates considerable time and space to describing this last week when the first three Jewish feasts- Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits- are fulfilled in Christ. Just as the stars aligned to herald Jesus’ birth as King, we now see them guiding His entry as King. Nothing could alter this. God predestined every detail of the events leading to this entry into Jerusalem. The entire universe was set in motion to fulfill God’s decree that Jesus is King, even in the specific detail of the Messiah riding on a colt that had never been ridden. (These purebred colts were not easy to find!) Jesus’ words, “The Lord” or " The Ruler " (Greek: kurios) “has need of it” signify God’s unique way of working in the lives of others so they may align with their role in God’s greater plan.

2.) Jesus’ Kingly Acclamation (Luke 19:35-37)

³⁵ And they brought it to Jesus, and they threw their garments on the colt, and put Jesus on it. ³⁶ And as He was going, they were spreading their garments in the road. ³⁷ And as He was now approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen. (Luke 19:35-37)

Two distinct crowds converged on the path that Jesus, mounted on the colt, took to ascend slowly to Jerusalem. The first crowd departed with Jesus when He left Bethany for Jerusalem. This group was largely filled with excitement over Jesus’ gift of life to Lazarus. The Pharisees even plotted to kill Lazarus, as many Jews had come to believe in Jesus. “But the chief priests took counsel that they might put Lazarus to death also; because on account of him many of the Jews were going away, and were believing in Jesus” (John 12:10-11). 

John 11 is the only Gospel that records the Jews' heightened excitement about Jesus. We should recall the time when Jesus fed the 5000. The crowd insisted on making Jesus King (John 6:15), but He refused. However, now Jesus allowed their chants to accompany Him into Jerusalem as King. He would not receive a welcome from the locals in Jerusalem, no matter how curious they might be, but from the visitors coming to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. They witnessed Jesus’ miracles and proclaimed His greatness.

¹² On the next day the great multitude who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ¹³ took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet Him, and began to cry out (John 12:12-13).

We see them throwing their garments on the colt and on the ground ahead of it. Their excitement grew when the ascending group met the multitude descending from Jerusalem with palm branches. John explains why the palms became part of the official name, describing “Palm Sunday.”

Perhaps, Bethany, only two miles from Jerusalem, some followers had earlier that day gone to the city to tell people about Jesus, Lazarus’ resurrection, and that Jesus was coming. Everyone was looking for Him, but this time, Jesus did not come in stealth; rather, He declared His glorious ways with open shouts. We find the two large crowds of people joining together along the path, united in their acclaim of Jesus’ greatness because of the miracles they had witnessed. 

We can only understand the power of the cross in light of Jesus’ kingship. The mounted colt ride became Jesus’ coronation procession into His city to assume kingship. He was openly hailed as king, partly due to the people’s excitement when they saw Jesus command Lazarus to rise from the dead, but also because of others who had witnessed His miracles and appreciated His teaching. However, it is questionable whether they truly understood the implications of the words they regularly chanted, which are part of the Hallel, Psalms 113-118, sung by the pilgrims coming into Jerusalem for the Passover.

Are you a believer in Jesus? Do you view Jesus merely as a good teacher? This falls short. Crowds testified that Jesus raised Lazarus, even though Lazarus had been wrapped in cloths and left dead for four days. You may not believe it, but they witnessed this miracle. Even the Pharisees did not deny the miracle; instead, they plotted to eliminate Lazarus. 

The heir to the throne, the Son of David, the Promised King, the Messiah, was passing through Jerusalem’s gate with all the fanfare, seated upon the colt as the coming king, chanting Psalm 118.

¹⁹ Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the LORD. ²⁰ This is the gate of the LORD; The righteous will enter through it. (Psalms 118:19-20)

Amidst all the traumatic events surrounding Jesus’ death on the cross, we must not lose sight of His entrance as King. This was, after all, the charge against Jesus, nailed above Him on the cross: “King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26), written in three languages. The Jewish leaders didn’t like that everyone approaching Jerusalem would see this sign and protest, but the Romans prevailed over their objections. The sign remained firm, affirming His coronation. This powerful scene is followed by an even more incredible spectacle recorded within heaven’s portals.

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 7:9-12)

Notice this fantastic conclusion to the celebration, with palm branches waving high in the sky, acclaiming Jesus as King. Please note that the great multitude now consists not only of pilgrims to Jerusalem who believe in Jesus but also of those worldwide who see Him as their Savior and Lord. Revelation powerfully presents the multitudes acclaiming, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” It is a true sign of how the heroic and proud King (“sits on the throne ") went to die for His people so that those around the world could be part of His blessed kingdom.

Jesus was not only a great teacher but also a valiant King who took on the sins of His people and sacrificed Himself for them. Jesus is the King and calls for worship, not merely a small portion of your life. He asks for your complete devotion and is truly worthy of it.

3.) Jesus’ Sovereign Reign (Luke 19:38-40)

³⁸ saying, “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” ³⁹ And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.” ⁴⁰ And He answered and said, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:38-40)

Luke doesn’t quote as many Old Testament prophecies as the other Gospel writers, perhaps to maintain focus (which we will discuss later). However, there are many relevant observations here. First, note that Jesus is declared king. He is the One coming in the Name of God, as clearly demonstrated through the miracles. It's unclear whether they genuinely believed it, merely dreamed of their own king, or were citing verses along with many others during the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Given that the disciples did not fully grasp the significance of this event until after Jesus rose from the dead, we can assume the people did not either. Still, they all participated in this coronation ceremony. “These things His disciples did not understand at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things to Him” (John 12:16).

Once again, like the stars aligning at His birth and the prophecies of the Old Testament, we witness everything coming together in this proclamation of Jesus as King of the Jews. Jesus even rebukes the obstinacy of the Pharisees referenced in verses 39-40, saying, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40). This moment marks Jesus’ coronation. Nothing can prevent the destiny of the promised Son of David from claiming His throne. Nor can anyone ever take it from Him. Yes, they would kill Him, but He would rise from the dead.

²⁹ “Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ And so, because he was a prophet, and knew that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH TO SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS UPON HIS THRONE, ³¹ he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that HE WAS NEITHER ABANDONED TO HADES, NOR DID His flesh SUFFER DECAY. ³² This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. ³³ Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:29-33). 

Let us step back further and examine three key points as we summarize this passage’s important teaching.

(a) The Kingly Prophecy (Luke 19:38)

In Luke 19:38, we read, “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” The capitals indicate that the words are a quote from the Old Testament. John, in 12:13, writes a similar line, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” 

We are confident that the Israelites did not fully comprehend what they were saying; nonetheless, the people made this announcement. This is clearly stated in Psalm 118:26, “Hosanna! BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, even the King of Israel.” Who is the blessed one that comes? Clearly, the King of Israel is Jesus. 

“Hosanna” literally means “Save us!” It transformed from a prayer into a declaration of praise: “He saved us!” The people of God rejoice that the King of Israel reigns over them. Thus, this prophecy of Jesus clearly indicates that this was no ordinary event, even though the people did not fully recognize it. This marked Jesus’ royal entrance into His city and among His people as He took up His throne. 

(b) The Priestly Sacrifice (Psalm 118:22-29)

²² The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone. ²³ This is the LORD’S doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. ²⁴ This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. ²⁵ O LORD, do save, we beseech Thee; O LORD, we beseech Thee, do send prosperity!  ²⁶ Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD; We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. ²⁷ The LORD is God, and He has given us light; Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar. ²⁸ Thou art my God, and I give thanks to Thee; Thou art my God, I extol Thee. ²⁹ Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. (Psalm 118:22-29)

Psalm 118 was the last of the Hallel Psalms sung during Passover (113-118). Much of the scriptures were, like keys in huge locks, turning and unlocking the fulfillment of age-old, golden prophecies. In addition to Jesus’ kingship, other divine events are being orchestrated and revealed. Yes, earlier, there was the announcement of the king’s entry into Jerusalem from these verses. Still, there are also startling prophecies about the sacrifice that must also be fulfilled in these passages. Although the evil one is the architect of evil, the Lord wonderfully uses all of creation and the events of the world to fulfill His greater purposes. Let’s note two of these must-be-fulfilled prophecies.

(#1) “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief corner stone” (Ps 118:22).

Jesus clearly points out that although He was acclaimed as king, in just a few days, He would be rejected (Isaiah 53, Mat 21:42; Mar 12:10; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7). Yes, there were Jews from other parts of Israel who believed, but many in Jerusalem itself did not. In Matthew, Jesus even rebukes His disciples, saying, “Did you never read in the Scriptures…?” Jesus’ rejection is clearly prophesied along with His suffering, death, coronation, and resurrection (“in three days”).

(#2) “Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar” (Ps 118:27).

Passover was quickly approaching, which is why all the crowds left their homes and gathered in and around Jerusalem. Everyone was preparing for Passover, getting their lambs ready. They would select a one-year-old lamb but not kill it until the right moment. Jesus knew that He would be not only King but also Priest. As a Priest capable of offering a sufficient sacrifice, He would be the faithful Priest who would lay down His life as a sacrifice. 

Jesus, as Priest, faithfully secures a sacrifice that will once and for all bring forgiveness.

So, although this Psalm identifies Jesus Christ as the prophesied King, it also points to His death, perhaps only Jesus could understand its full significance. Jesus Himself would be bound and become the festival sacrifice. The wrath of God would come upon Him rather than the people of God- namely, those who believed in Him. The believers would find salvation and express great thanks. 

Once more, we see the King and Priest roles and responsibilities merging into one individual, Jesus Christ. This is why Jesus had to quietly ascend the throne, enabling Him to fulfill His work as King and create a path to salvation and a relationship with Him.

(c) Luke’s Overall Perspective

Our final point serves as a conclusion. Luke’s words document world events, or perhaps we should refer to them as other-worldly events, culminating in the person of Jesus the Messiah. The angels delivered a clear message, which was subsequently shared with others.

 ¹¹ For today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger.” ¹³ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” (Luke 2:11-14)

From the beginning of this lengthy book of Luke, we see that God governs both earthly affairs and heaven. Jesus was destined to be proclaimed as both king and Savior. Jesus’ genealogy confirmed His Davidic lineage, and the angels’ proclamation, 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14).

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. ³¹ “And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. ³² “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. (Luke 1:30-32)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.” (Mat 2:1-2)

“BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38).

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, with the multitudes shouting praise, marked the beginning of Passion Week, which included Jesus’ betrayal, the Last Supper, an unjust trial, His death on the cross, and resurrection. The first three Jewish feasts- Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits- were fulfilled within eight days. If we focus solely on Jesus’ death, we risk missing the greater significance of the events taking place. Jesus’ death was not intended to evoke sympathy or to identify with the helpless; nor was He merely a victim of reckless mob action. Instead, it was part of the divine plan for the King of the Jews to demonstrate His power through dying for His people. In this death of the Messiah, we observe not carelessness, but rather careful and wise planning aimed at saving the remnant of God's people.

There are many helpless perspectives on Jesus. Some view Him as a victim, a needless casualty, but these perspectives are entirely inadequate for God’s heroic and loving King. What king would give his life for his people? What king would seek the best for His people if it meant stepping down from the throne and being raised up on the cross? 

Our world is more politically focused than ever. As I travel, I constantly hear and see the consequences of corrupt presidents and prime ministers. The impact is evident in the lives of the people. The leaders, although urged to help make improvements, become entangled in their own lives and policies, forgetting the people they serve. It is rare to find leaders who genuinely serve their constituents, as many prefer to reside in palaces and indulge in various luxuries. The idea of a king, president, or prime minister serving the people is a fundamentally Christian concept. Remember not to get caught up in the political scenes of this world, as Jesus Himself stated: “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered up to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm’” (John 18:36). Engage actively, especially in the pursuit of justice, but let the worldly distractions be overshadowed by the light of Christ’s rulership.

Summary

God appointed Adam as the first king, but Adam chose his own path, abandoned his loyalty, and established a lower standard for leaders. Jesus, as the second Adam and also a descendant of David, the Son of Man, stepped forward and laid down His life so that those who believe in Him might have eternal life. 

Promises don’t save; Jesus had to come and fulfill the promises of the King who would enter Jerusalem.

Policies don’t save. Make whatever economic and social changes you want, but do they take away our sins? No. Do such promises bring eternal life? Hardly, for we all still die. Jesus’ promises and faithful life lead to a greater hope, not built on the stagnant water of this world but in the glorious kingdom of God. Jesus, as the perfect King, laid down His life for His people.

Our hope is not in this world but in Christ’s kingdom, which transcends into eternity. Entry into that kingdom, whether one is poor or rich, Jew or Gentile, begins with the work of the Savior. He died for our sins. He who loved us died so that we might enter and become His glad servants, rejoicing in His leadership. Leaders tinker with promises and policies in this world, hoping to gain the people’s support, but no one is like Jesus, who gave His life on the cross.