Luke 19:38

Commentary on Luke 19:38

1. The Text

Luke 19:38 (King James Version):
“Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.”

This verse forms part of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, often called the Triumphal Entry. It is a moment charged with prophetic fulfilment, public expectation, and deep theological significance.

2. Literary and Narrative Context: Luke Chapter 19

Luke 19[i] moves from personal encounter to public proclamation. It begins with Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, receiving salvation (Luke 19:1–10). It then shifts to the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11–27), which warns about accountability and the coming kingdom. Finally, it culminates in Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28–48), where the crowds declare Him as King.

This chapter shows:

• Jesus Christ’s authority over individuals (Zacchaeus)
• Jesus Christ’s authority over His servants (the parable)
• Jesus Christ’s authority over the city and the temple
• Jesus Christ’s identity as the promised King

The Triumphal Entry is not an isolated event; it is the climax of a chapter that reveals the nature of the kingdom and the King.

3. Exegetical Commentary on Luke 19:38

“Blessed be the King”

The crowd openly names Jesus Christ as King. This is politically charged language. Under Roman rule, proclaiming a king could be seen as rebellion. Yet the people speak truth, even if they do not fully understand it.

This echoes Psalm 118:26 (KJV):
“Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD.”

By applying this psalm to Jesus Christ, the crowd identifies Him as the long-awaited Messiah.

“that cometh in the name of the Lord”

Jesus Christ comes with divine authority, not human ambition. He is not self-appointed. He is the One sent by the Father.

This aligns with Jesus Christ’s own teaching:

John 5:43 (KJV):
“I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not.”

The King is not merely a political figure; He is the representative of God Himself.

“peace in heaven”

This phrase is striking. At Jesus Christ’s birth, the angels proclaimed:

Luke 2:14 (KJV):
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Now, at His entry into Jerusalem, the crowd proclaims peace in heaven.

The shift is significant:

• At His birth: peace on earth because the Saviour has come
• At His entry: peace in heaven because the King is fulfilling His mission

Jesus Christ’s journey to the cross will reconcile heaven and earth. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the restoration of relationship between God and humanity.

“and glory in the highest”

This echoes the angelic song in Luke 2:14. The King’s arrival brings glory to God. His mission is not merely to save people but to vindicate God’s righteousness, mercy, and faithfulness.

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4. Theological Themes

A. Jesus Christ as the Promised King

Luke presents Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy. He is the King who brings salvation, justice, and peace.

B. The Kingdom of God Is Both Present and Coming

The Triumphal Entry reveals a kingdom that is already breaking into the world, yet not fully realised. Jesus Christ is King, but His coronation will be a cross.

C. Peace Through the Cross

“Peace in heaven” anticipates the reconciliation achieved through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Peace is not sentimental; it is costly.

D. The Mixed Response to Jesus Christ

In Luke 19:

• Zacchaeus receives Him with joy
• The crowd praises Him
• The Pharisees reject Him
• Jerusalem does not recognise Him (Luke 19:41–44)

The same King evokes different responses. This remains true today.

5. Practical Application for Modern Christian Living

A. Recognise Jesus Christ as King in Every Area of Life

The crowd proclaimed Jesus Christ as King publicly. Christians today are called to acknowledge His kingship not only in worship but in daily decisions, ethics, relationships, and priorities.

B. Seek the Peace That Comes From Reconciliation With God

True peace is not found in circumstances but in restored relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This peace shapes how Christians respond to stress, conflict, and uncertainty.

C. Worship With Understanding, Not Just Emotion

The crowd praised Jesus Christ, but many later turned away. Christian worship must be grounded in truth, not merely enthusiasm.

D. Live as Citizens of the Kingdom

The parable of the minas reminds believers that the King expects faithful stewardship. Christians are called to use their gifts, time, and opportunities for the glory of God.

E. Respond to Jesus Christ Personally

Zacchaeus encountered Jesus Christ personally. The crowd responded corporately. Both matter. Faith is communal, but it must also be personal and transformative.

6. Meditation Guide

Use the following steps for personal reflection or group discussion.

A. Read the Passage Slowly

Read Luke 19:28–40 aloud, including verse 38. Notice the movement, the atmosphere, and the words spoken.
²⁸ And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
²⁹ And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
³⁰ Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
³¹ And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
³² And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
³³ And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
³⁴ And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
³⁵ And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
³⁶ And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
³⁷ And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
³⁸ Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
³⁹ And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
⁴⁰ And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

B. Reflect on Jesus Christ’s Kingship

Ask:

• What does it mean for Jesus Christ to be King in my life?
• Are there areas where I resist His authority?

C. Consider the Nature of Peace

Reflect on “peace in heaven”.

• Do I seek peace through control, comfort, or avoidance?
• How does the peace Jesus Christ gives differ from the world’s peace?

D. Respond in Prayer

Pray:

• For a deeper recognition of Jesus Christ’s authority
• For peace grounded in the gospel
• For courage to live as a faithful servant of the King

E. Act

Identify one practical step that expresses Jesus Christ’s kingship in your week ahead.

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[i] Luke 19

King James Version

19 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.

19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.

20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:

21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:

23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.

25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?

34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.

36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.

40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;

46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,

48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.