Lucas 19
James Montgomery Boice · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 19
Boice adds that "Citizens of the (Roman) empire were required to burn a pinch of incense to the reigning Caesar and utter the words Kyrios Kaisar (“Caesar is Lord!”). It is this that the early Christians refused to do and for which they were themselves thrown to the wild lions or crucified. It was not that Christians were forbidden to worship God. They were free to worship any god they chose so long as they also acknowledged Caesar. Romans were tolerant. But when Christians denied to Caesar the allegiance that they believed belonged to the true God only, they were executed. (See Boice's Daniel: An Expositional Commentary- Page 69) Wayne Detzler writes that kurios - In the earliest Greek this word meant "to have power or authority." Later it came to describe one who is in control. As classical Greek developed, it became a title for men of importance. Since the gods of ancient Greece were neither creators nor lords of their fate, pagan deities were not called "lord" until much later. By the time of Christ, kings had come to be called "lord." This was true of the Roman Emperor Caligula (A.D. 37-41). It was also true of Candace, the fabled queen of upper Egypt (Ac 8:27). So too Herod the Great, Herod Agrippa I, and Herod Agrippa II were called "lord." (BORROW New Testament Words in Today's Language) Kurios in Luke - Lk. 1:6; Lk. 1:9; Lk. 1:11; Lk. 1:15; Lk. 1:16; Lk. 1:17; Lk. 1:25; Lk. 1:28; Lk. 1:32; Lk. 1:38; Lk. 1:43; Lk. 1:45; Lk. 1:46; Lk. 1:58; Lk. 1:66; Lk. 1:68; Lk. 1:76; Lk. 2:9; Lk. 2:11; Lk. 2:15; Lk. 2:22; Lk. 2:23; Lk. 2:24; Lk. 2:26; Lk. 2:39; Lk. 3:4; Lk. 4:8; Lk. 4:12; Lk. 4:18; Lk. 4:19; Lk. 5:8; Lk. 5:12; Lk. 5:17; Lk. 6:5; Lk. 6:46; Lk. 7:6; Lk. 7:13; Lk. 7:19; Lk. 9:54; Lk. 9:59; Lk. 9:61; Lk. 10:1; Lk. 10:2; Lk. 10:17; Lk. 10:21; Lk. 10:27; Lk. 10:39; Lk. 10:40; Lk. 10:41; Lk. 11:1; Lk. 11:39; Lk. 12:36; Lk. 12:37; Lk. 12:41; Lk. 12:42; Lk. 12:43; Lk. 12:45; Lk. 12:46; Lk. 12:47; Lk. 13:8; Lk. 13:15; Lk. 13:23; Lk. 13:25; Lk. 13:35; Lk. 14:21; Lk. 14:22; Lk. 14:23; Lk. 16:3; Lk. 16:5; Lk. 16:8; Lk. 16:13; Lk. 17:5; Lk. 17:6; Lk. 17:37; Lk. 18:6; Lk. 18:41; Lk. 19:8; Lk. 19:16; Lk. 19:18; Lk. 19:20; Lk. 19:25; Lk. 19:31; Lk. 19:33; Lk. 19:34; Lk. 19:38; Lk. 20:13; Lk. 20:15; Lk. 20:37; Lk. 20:42; Lk. 20:44; Lk. 22:33; Lk. 22:38; Lk. 22:49; Lk. 22:61; Lk. 24:3; Lk. 24:34; Defrauded (4811)(sukophanteo/sykophanteo from sukon = fig + phaino = to shine) is literally one who shows the fig (see etymology below) and which means to accuse falsely, to annoy, to harass, to oppress, or to blackmail. In Lk 3:14+ John the Baptist instructed soldiers who came to him (having been convicted by his preaching) "Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages.” It also means to extort (Lk 19:8). These are the only 2 uses in the NT. There are 8 uses in the Septuagint (Ge 43:18; Lev 19:11 = "deal falsely"; Job 35:9 = "oppressions"; Ps 119:122 = "Do not let the arrogant oppress me"; Pr 14:31; 22:16; 28:3; Eccl 4:1) with all 3 uses in Proverbs speaking of oppression of the poor, translating the Hebrew verb ashaq (See 06231) which means to wrong someone, to extort, to defraud or to oppress. Friberg adds that sukophanteo is derived "from an Athenian term for an informer against illegal exporters of figs; (1) accuse falsely, bring false charges, blackmail; more generally harass, oppress (Lk 3.14+); (2) as exacting money by using false information extort, defraud, cheat (Lk 19.8). BDAG has "to put pressure on someone for personal gain - harass, squeeze, shake down, blackmail." and "to secure someth. through intimidation - extort." Gilbrant - This verb appears in classical Greek from the Fifth Century B.C. with the meaning “accuse falsely, defraud, slander.” Frequently such action was done in the form of “blackmail” by public officials (cf. Liddell-Scott), but it could refer to any effort by a person who seeks to oppress or exhort someone with false charges or threats. (Complete Biblical Library) This verb sykophanteo gives us our English word sycophant (sukon + phainein) which describes a person who tries to please others to gain a personal advantage. Do you know anyone like that? Does that describe you (me)? Woe! The Online Etymology Dictionary has the following note on sycophant (the off color portion of their description is not quoted here)-- "Showing the fig" was a vulgar gesture made by sticking the thumb between two fingers...The modern accepted explanation is that prominent politicians in ancient Greece held aloof from such inflammatory gestures, but privately urged their followers to taunt their opponents." Ray Pritchard - The greater question is this: How do you show the reality of Christ in your life? The answer for you would be the same as it was for Zaccheus. Here’s the principle. The reality of your new life in Jesus Christ will be seen at precisely the point of your old weakness. His problem was money, greed and lust. Therefore, since that was the point of the weakness, that’s the point at which his new life had to be demonstrated. It wouldn’t do any good for Zaccheus to say, “Lord, I’m not going to curse any more” because cursing wasn’t his problem. It wouldn’t do to say, “Lord I’m going to be a nice guy” because being a jerk wasn’t his problem. It wouldn’t do for him to say, “Lord, I’m going to give more offerings at the temple” because I’m sure he was a religious Jew. That wasn’t the point of his weakness. The point of his weakness was money. Greed for money. And nobody would believe that he had really changed unless he had changed the point of his past weakness. When you come to Jesus Christ, if your problem is gossip, if that area doesn’t change, don’t think anybody is going to buy your Christianity just because you come to church. If you gossip and that’s your weakness, if that doesn’t change, then coming to church isn’t going to make any difference at all. It’s not simply that you add on something to your past weaknesses; real conversion is shown when you change in the future in what used to be your weak point. If pornography is your problem, if sleeping around is your problem, then that’s the area that has to change. If that doesn’t change, then singing in the choir isn’t going to convince anybody. If lust is your problem then that’s the area that has to change. If bitterness is your problem then that’s the area that has to change. If a bad temper is your problem then that’s the area that has to change. If treating people like dirt is your problem, then that’s the area that has to change. If being disrespectful to those who are in authority over you is your problem, when you come to Jesus Christ that’s the area where the change has to be demonstrated. That’s a tremendously important principle. There are at least three reasons why restitution is good for you. First, it’s good because it shows that you are really sorry for what you did. I’m not just talking about restitution for money, or things you stole, but people you’ve hurt by what you’ve said, by your attitudes, by your broken relationships. People you’ve treated like dirt in the past and now you want to live for Christ. Those bridges are out and you’re going to have to go back and rebuild them. You need to make restitution. It’s good, number one, because it shows that you are really sorry for what you have done. Second, restitution is good because it makes it easier for the people you’ve hurt to forgive you. People don’t want to hear pious words; they want to see your changed life exhibited by changed behavior. What better exhibition than making amends for the things you have said and done that have hurt people? Third, if you make restitution it makes you much less likely to make the same mistake again because it’s cost you so dearly. Restitution costs something. You have to humble yourself and admit your wrongdoing. It isn’t easy, which is why most people don’t do it. That’s also why it is so good for you. Make restitution once or twice and you’ll think twice before doing the same dumb thing again. That’s what Zaccheus is doing here. At the point of his weakness, he is demonstrating new life in Christ by voluntarily giving his money away to the poor and making restitution four times over. The Eighth Step This week I borrowed a book from Bill Miller called The AA Way of Life. Are you familiar with the twelve steps of Alcoholics Anonymous? Millions of people have been helped by following the twelve steps. Listen to step 4: Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of your own life. Take a look in the mirror and see yourself as you really are. Step number 8: Make a list of all the persons you have harmed and be willing to make amends to them all. Step Number 9: Make direct amends to such people whenever possible except when to do so would injure them or others. Step 4: Take an inventory Step 8: Make a list of the people you’ve hurt Step 9: Make amends This is what Zaccheus is doing. This is what the book says on page 187: In making amends it is seldom wise to approach the individual who still smarts from our injustice to him and to announce that we have gone religious. This might be called leading with the chin. Why lay ourselves open to being branded fanatics or religious bores? If we do this we may kill a future opportunity to carry a beneficial message. But the man who hears our amends is sure to be impressed with our sincere desire to set right a wrong. He is going to be more interested in a demonstration of good will than in talk of spiritual discoveries. It’s not what you say, it’s what you do. And don’t say it until your life can back it up. “Repentance, Repentance, Repentance” Two weeks ago I mentioned the remarkable story of Lee Atwater’s conversion. The “Bad Boy of GOP Politics” died on Good Friday. In the midst of fighting a brain tumor he came to Christ. At his funeral service, Harry Dent, who was an advisor to President Nixon in the 70s and who himself found Christ nearly twelve years ago, stood up and said, “A lot of people wonder if Lee Atwater’s confession of faith is real. Let me tell you about Lee Atwater’s life the last few months. It was characterized by one word. Repentance. Repentance. Repentance.” He told how Lee Atwater had written letters of apology to Michael Dukakis, and Tom Turnipseed, a politician in South Carolina, to Ron Brown, the head of the Democratic Party, asking forgiveness for his bad and hateful attitude and for the things he had done in the past. Harry Dent said, “That’s the evidence of a changed life. A man who repented to the point that before he died he made right the wrongs he had done. He made amends with the people he had hurt.” (Source: World magazine, April 13, 1991, pp. 16-17; Harry Dent interview on Primetime America) You can talk about faith all you want. But unless your faith is backed up by the evidence of a changed life no one will listen. Why is that? Because we are justified before God by faith but we are justified before men by works. Why? Because only God can see our faith. The only thing men can see is our works. There’s no contradiction there. Talk all you want about your faith but then show it by the way you live. Specifically by the change that Jesus had made at the point of your past weakness. Lesson # 5: Our Number One Priority 9-10 “Jesus said to him, ’Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a Son of Abraham.’” I’ll bet the country club crowd in Jericho couldn’t stand that. They were offended that Jesus would consider a man like Zaccheus as a Son of Abraham. They thought they had it made and they had already counted Zaccheus out. But the truth of the matter is, Jesus was saying that a son of Abraham is not somebody who has the right kind of birth certificate. A son of Abraham is the one who has the kind of faith Abraham had. Zaccheus had that faith demonstrated by his changed life. Verse 10 gives us the moral of the story: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Why did Jesus come? Why is the church here? The Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost. It’s a lesson to us about why the church is in the world. As the Savior came to seek and to save that which was lost, Exhibit A would be Zaccheus. Even so, the reason the church is here is to follow the Son of God as we seek and save that which is lost. If Jesus Came to Oak Park Don’t you understand? It’s easy for us to mutter and complain and say, “I’m not sure we want those Zaccheus types here in our church. I’d rather they go someplace else.” If we are not willing to do what Jesus did, we can hardly call ourselves his disciples. If we as a church have decided that only the good, the pure, the righteous and the holy can come into this place, then we’re not worthy of the name Christian. That’s really the challenge–to follow Jesus in this world. Let me leave you with this. If Jesus were to come to Oak Park today where would we find him? Where would we find him? You wouldn’t find him in the churches. He wouldn’t be here. That’s not where he was two thousand years ago. You’d find him out with the homeless, out with the hungry, out with the hurting, out with the drug abusers, down in Austin helping the people who have AIDS. He’d be out talking to those guys who are sleeping around every night of the week. He’d be talking to those women who feel like there’s no hope of a change for them. That’s where Jesus would be if he came to Oak Park today. The R.O.Z.A. And I’ll give you something else to think about. As long as the church stays in the church, Jesus is not there because that’s not where Jesus is. If the church wants Jesus, the church has to go out where Jesus is. Out into the world, because that’s where he is this morning. (See George McLeod's statement). What I want to suggest to you is that many of you face the challenge of doing what Zaccheus did. You need to join the ROZA - The Royal Order of Zaccheus Anonymous and take seriously the challenge of going out of this place and showing to the world that Jesus Christ has really made the difference. Some of you this morning need to take Step Number Four seriously –Make a searching moral inventory. Where do you really stand before God? You need to take Number Eight seriously–Make a list of the people we have hurt and offended. And you need to take Number Nine seriously–Resolve before God that as far as possible (Ed: Only possible as you are enabled by God in you, the Spirit of Christ Who will give you the desire and power [Php 2:13NLT+] necessary to work out this aspect of your salvation in fear and trembling." [Php 2:12+]) we will make things right with the people we have hurt so badly. Until you do that we’re not going to get very far in you Christian life. It’s just that basic! But when you do, you will be providing to the world living proof of two things. First, living proof of why Jesus came into the world. Second, living proof of the difference Jesus Christ can make when he comes into a life. God help us to be that living proof wherever we go this week.. Amen. (Zaccheus Anonymous) Luke 19:9-10 The Conversion of Zaccheus - George Whitefield Learning To Give Read: Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor." —Luke 19:8 Many people in affluent countries have become burdened by the accumulation of material goods they no longer need or use. But they have a hard time getting rid of things that clog their homes and businesses. After five moves in four years, one woman said, “You know how much stuff I brought with me to each place? I’ve asked myself, ‘Where was your brain when you moved all this stuff?'” She then hired a professional organizer to help her learn to let go of things. People cling to their possessions for many different reasons. It seems that Zacchaeus struggled with this problem because he was greedy (Luke 19:1-10). But the story of this wealthy tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus culminated in a complete change of heart when Zacchaeus said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor” (v.8). He then promised, “If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Jesus responded by saying, “Today salvation has come to this house” (v.9). The new spiritual freedom that Zacchaeus found could be observed as he turned from getting to giving. His relaxed grip revealed a renewed heart. Is it true of us as well? Speak to us, Lord, till shamed by Thy great giving, Our hands unclasp to set our treasures free; Our wills, our love, our dear ones, our possessions All gladly yielded, gracious Lord, to Thee. —Anon. We haven't learned to live until we've learned to give. Making It Right Read: Luke 19:1-10 If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold. —Luke 19:8 It was a perfect day for our garage sale—bright and warm. People rummaged through clothing, paperbacks, and mismatched dishes. I noticed a young woman looking at a string of white beads. A few minutes later, the necklace vanished along with its admirer. I spotted her in the street, jogged the length of my driveway, and discovered the missing jewelry nestled in her palm. As we faced each other with the knowledge of what had happened, she volunteered to pay for the stolen item. Zacchaeus, the tree-climbing tax collector, met Jesus and was changed. He vowed to repay four times the amount of money he had dishonestly taken from others (Luke 19:8). In those days, tax collectors frequently overcharged citizens and then pocketed the extra funds. Zacchaeus’ eagerness to pay back the money and to donate half of what he owned to the poor showed a significant change of heart. He had once been a taker, but after meeting Jesus he was determined to make restoration and be a giver. Zacchaeus’ example can inspire us to make the same kind of change. When God reminds us about items we have taken, taxes left unpaid, or ways we have wronged others, we can honor Him by making it right. Help me, dear Lord, to be honest and true In all that I say and all that I do; Give me the courage to do what is right To bring to the world a glimpse of Your light. —Fasick A debt is never too old for an honest person to pay. Loving The Unlovable Read: Luke 19:1-10 The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. —Luke 19:10 Zacchaeus was easy to dislike. As a tax collector for an oppressive occupying government, he made himself rich by overcharging his countrymen. Yet, to the consternation of the crowd, Jesus honored him by going to his house and eating with him. A judge with a reputation for toughness tells how he learned to relate to unlovable people. In a Sunday morning homily his clergyman urged the congregation to try to look at people through the eyes of Jesus. A few days later the judge was about to give a stiff sentence to an arrogant young man who kept getting in trouble. But then he remembered what the minister had suggested. The judge said, “I looked this young man in the eye and told him I thought he was a bright and talented human being. And then I said to him, ‘Let’s talk together about how we can get you living in more creative and constructive ways.’ We had a surprisingly good conversation.” Jesus saw Zacchaeus as a sinner with an empty hole that only He could fill, and through His kindness Zacchaeus was transformed. The judge could not report any such change, but who knows the long-term outcome? He set a good example for all of us, because he saw the man through the eyes of Jesus. We need to see through Jesus' eyes Our neighbors who are lost; For then we will reach out to them, Regardless of the cost. -Sper True compassion will put love into action. Generosity Read: Luke 19:1-10 Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold. —Luke 19:8 Zacchaeus was a little tax man who shinnied up a sycamore tree to get a good look at Jesus. The Teacher spotted him perched on one of the branches, told him to come down, and then invited Himself over for a meal. During dinner something happened that revolutionized the tax collector’s life. Luke’s record tells us nothing about the conversation, but when Zacchaeus emerged from the house that afternoon he made a dramatic announcement. He promised to give away half of his wealth to poor people, and to return fourfold the amount of money he had taken dishonestly. We think we are generous if we give God 10 percent of our income. Most pastors and deacons would be delighted if everyone in the congregation contributed 5 percent. The mark of Zacchaeus’ transformation was his staggering generosity. That’s why Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Lk. 19:9). Obviously, salvation isn’t bought with money, but one evidence of whether or not people have trusted Christ is how completely they trust Him with all they own. Do we display a love and generosity that is compatible with God’s boundless grace to us? Christ paid the debt our sin incurred; He died to set us free; So let us now give back to Him With generosity. —Sper When you think about giving to others, think about all God has given to you. Making Restitution Read: Luke 19:1-9 He shall make restitution for his trespass in full. —Numbers 5:7 During the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary, managing editor James Murray received thousands of definitions from Dr. William Chester Minor. They were always sent in by mail and never brought in personally. Murray was curious about this brilliant man, so he went to visit him. He was shocked to find that Minor was incarcerated in an asylum for the criminally insane. Years earlier, while in a delusional state, Minor had shot an innocent man whom he thought had been tormenting him. Later he was filled with remorse and began sending money to support the widow and her family. Minor was imprisoned for the rest of his life but he found practical ways of easing the pain of his victims and contributing to society through his work on the dictionary. When the dishonest tax collector Zacchaeus heard Jesus’ message of grace, he chose to return more than what he had extorted from others. “Look, Lord, . . . if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold” (Luke 19:8). The gospel of grace stirred Zacchaeus to help those he had harmed. Have you wronged someone? What steps will you take to help make things right? Forgive me, Lord, for all my sins, The many wrongs that I have done; And show me how to make things right Before the setting of the sun. —Bosch Making restitution reveals genuine repentance. The Ultimate Physician Read: Luke 19:1-10 I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold. —Luke19:8 Physicians can cure many illnesses, both physical and mental. But only Jesus can bring about the healing that makes bad people good. A noted psychiatrist recognized his own limitations in a conversation he had with British clergyman William Barclay. “All that a psychiatrist can do,” said the doctor, “is strip a man naked until you get to the essential man; and if the essential man is bad stuff, there’s nothing you can do about it. That’s where you come in.” Barclay later commented, “I think he meant that this is where Jesus comes in.” Zacchaeus was a bad man who needed inner healing. As a chief tax collector, he could take a cut from what his subordinates had collected. Therefore he was a wealthy man. Apparently he had heard about Jesus and wanted very much to see Him. Being short in stature, he climbed up into a tree to see above the crowd. I believe Zacchaeus was overwhelmed with guilt when Jesus looked up and told him He was coming to his house. Later, he told Jesus he would give half his wealth to the poor and restore fourfold to any he had defrauded. Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). In that instant Zacchaeus was spiritually healed. Only the ultimate Physician can make bad people good. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, Left heaven's glory, minding not the cost; Looking high and low and far and wide, The Son of Man for all was crucified. —Hess The ultimate Physician can reach you wherever you are. Luke 19:9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. Today salvation has come to this house: Lu 2:30 13:30 Joh 4:38-42 Acts 16:30-32 1Co 6:9-11 1Pe 2:10 because he, too, is a son of Abraham: Lu 13:16 Ro 4:11,12,16 Ga 3:7,14,29 Luke 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 19:1-10 Why Jesus Came - Steven Cole Luke 19:1-10 A Sinner Meets a Seeking Savior, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 19:1-10 A Sinner Meets a Seeking Savior, Part 2 - John MacArthur Luke 19:1-10 Jesus: The Seeking Savior, Part 2 - John MacArthur ZACCHEUS - A TRUE SON OF ABRAHAM Today salvation has come to this house - Jesus saw the sincerity of Zaccheus' heart and the reality of his conversion. His almsgiving and restitution did not merit his salvation but were the fruit of his salvation, demonstrating his faith was genuine. So in a moment he is transformed from a vile chief tax collector into a beloved child of God, and it had all happened because he went to see Jesus as He was passing by! Jesus no longer uses the word sinner but salvation! In saving the rich Zaccheus Jesus fulfills the promise that while it is impossible for a rich man to enter heaven, it is possible with God (Lk 18:24-27+). Bell - This is the 2nd to last conversion recorded. (thief on cross) NET Note on house - "The household is not a reference to the building, but to the people who lived within it." But don't misunderstand what Jesus is saying. He is not saying everyone in Zaccheus' house would automatically be saved. Salvation is a decision each person must personally make. To be sure when the head of a household believes, those in the house frequently are also saved. When I came to Christ over 30 years ago, my two oldest children were saved soon after, while my other two were not saved until almost 30 years later!
Lucas 19
Boice - Josephus, the Jewish historian, tells us that one year a census was taken of the number of lambs slain for Passover and that figure was 256,500. In other words, with numbers this large, lambs must literally be driven up to Jerusalem throughout the entire day. Consequently, whenever Jesus entered the city He must have done so surrounded by lambs, Himself being the greatest of lambs. Luke 19:38 shouting: "BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" Blessed is the King Lk 13:35; Ps 72:17-19; 118:22-26; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9,10 peace in heaven Lk 2:10-14; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:14-18; Colossians 1:20 glory in the highest Ephesians 1:6,12; 3:10,21; 1 Timothy 1:17; 1 Peter 1:12; Revelation 5:9-14; 19:1-6 Luke 19 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 19:28-44 Why You Should Follow Jesus - Steven Cole Luke 19:28-40 Jesus' Humble Coronation, Part 1 - John MacArthur Luke 19:28-44 Jesus' Humble Coronation, Part 2 - John MacArthur Painting by James Tissot (1836-1902) THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY BLESSED BE THE KING In John 1:29 John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward him and proclaimed “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (Take a moment to worship the Lamb and May the Spirit move your deepest being to profoundly praise the Lamb!) Then a short while later in John 1:49 Nathanael made the incredibly insightful declaration to Jesus -- "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel." Now some three years later, it was the time of the Passover Feast in Israel and the time had come for Him to acknowledge before the nation of Israel that Nathananel had been correct in his designation and to fulfill John's prophecy as the Passover Lamb! (This video and song will break your heart dear follower of Christ!) Whereas heretofore, Jesus had stopped any attempts to at a public declaration of His identity as Messiah (Mt 16:20, Jn 6:14-15), but "in the fullness of time," the time had come to open announce and acknowledge that He was the King of Israel, the promised Messiah. As discussed elsewhere, many if not most of the Jewish crowd were hoping His arrival would bring the defeat of the Romans, but such was not to be the case in His first "Triumphal Entry." A word of historical context - Whenever a Roman general was victorious on foreign soil, killing at least 5,000 of the enemy, and gaining new territory, he was given a "Roman triumph" (see description of the spiritual and political aspects of this great celebration) when he returned to the Rome. It was the Roman equivalent of the American "ticker-tape parade," only with much more splendor. The victor would be permitted to display the trophies he had won including the enemy leaders he had captured. The parade ended at the arena where some of the captives entertained the people by fighting wild beasts. Compared to a "Roman triumph," our Lord's first entry into Jerusalem was nothing, but that will not be true at His second "Triumphal Entry!" So while Jesus' entry is traditionally referred to as the "Triumphal Entry," little did the crowd know that the "triumph" by their King would not be over a political kingdom (Rome), but would be a resounding victory over a spiritual kingdom, Messiah forever defeating sin, death and the devil! In His second "Triumphal Entry" Jesus will return not riding a donkey and coming in peace, but riding "a white horse...and in righteousness judging and waging war...for from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron, and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev 19:11,15-16+) If they had read Zechariah 9 with spiritual eyes, they would have understood that Zechariah 9:9 prophesied of Messiah's first "Triumphal Entry" and Zechariah 9:10 (see preceding note) prophesied of His second "Triumphal Entry!" Up from the grave He arose; With a mighty triumph o'er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever, with His saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! Play Up From the grave He arose! Shouting - This is the simple verb lego means expressing orally and is in the present tense indicating this was a continual chant from the Jewish throng. Alan Carr points out that the Jewish crowds that surrounded Jesus were associated with a lot of shouting on three separate occasions in the last days of His life. First we see here in Lk 19:29-40 that the Jews shouted at His "so called" Triumphal Entrance into Jerusalem. Why were they shouting? Many had seen His miracles and His power over demons, over nature and over physical illnesses. Some were shouting because they were "were amazed at His teaching." (cf Mt 7:28). Some were shouting because they thought that He was their long awaited Messiah Who would bring in the Kingdom of God (despite the fact that He had just told a parable that clearly taught the coming earthly Kingdom of God would be delayed until His return as King of kings - Rev 19:16). They were shouting because they were convinced this was the One Who would deliver the nation of Israel from Roman domination and oppression. Note that Matthew's version (Mt 21:9) modifies "lego" (shouting here in Lk 19:38) with the verb krazo which describes calling aloud, even with screaming or shrieking. It does not take much imagination to visualize the incredible uproar from the crowd! It seems to border on what we might call frenzy or even mass hysteria! They are convinced the Kingdom of God is about to come to fruition. Matthew has a similar acclamation shouted by the crowd but actually includes quotes from Psalm 118:25 and Psalm 118:26. The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; ("HOSANNA" IS A QUOTE FROM Ps 118:25 WHERE "SAVE US, WE PRAY" IN HEBREW IS TRANSLITERATED "hôšî`ânnä"); (NOW QUOTING Ps 118:26 THEY SHOUT) BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt 21:9) Comment: Hosanna means "Save now" so the crowd is shouting Hosanna to the Son of David, the phrase "Son of David" was a another title for the Messiah (cf Mt 12:23, Mk 12:35) thus clearly indicating the Jewish crowd's acknowledgment that Jesus was the Messiah. Luke adds the phrase "peace in heaven and glory in the highest" in place of Matthew's "Hosanna in the highest!" (See What is the meaning of Hosanna in the highest?)