Luke Chapter 19: Advent

Luke 19 begins with an interaction between Jesus and another person who would have been despised by the people. Next, Jesus tells a parable that deals with money on the surface, but its meaning goes even deeper. This leads us to the rise of the third act in God’s redemptive drama – Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is Palm Sunday and the cheers of the day will soon be replaced with jeers calling for His execution. The heaviness is palpable for the Lord, and He offers a lament over Jerusalem. Jesus then takes matters into His own hands as He enters the Temple and clears it of those trying to make money off the people’s worship. Luke tells us in the next-to-last verse of chapter 19 that the plot to kill Jesus was accelerating. We are now in Holy Week.

As you read, pay attention to how Jesus shows His heart for the lost, and His anger toward those trying to keep the lost from God. The early parts of the Gospel of Luke contrasted Jesus’ style and approach with that of John the Baptist where Jesus was more gentle, compassionate. Now we see Jesus taking the fight to evil. It will appear he loses that battle, but that is not the end of the story. Jesus came to win the war and win the war He will!

You can read today’s chapter by clicking here.

Reflection Questions:

1. Luke contrasts Zacchaeus with the Rich Young Ruler from yesterday’s reading. What are we to take away from this encounter? Why does Jesus go eat with him?
2. Jesus gives a concise version of His mission statement in verse 10. What is it?
3. In Jesus’ parable of the 10 Pounds (referring to a denomination of money) the man of noble birth go off to a far away country. What was Jesus saying about Himself in this parable?
4. Does Jesus’ words in verse 26 contradict what He said to the Rich Young Ruler about selling everything he had and giving to the poor? Why or why not?
5. Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a colt; the colt of a donkey to be exact. Kings rode on donkeys during times of peace, or great steeds during times of war. What message was Jesus projecting in the way He entered Jerusalem?
6. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to quiet His disciples. Read verse 40. What was Jesus saying?
7. Read verse 38, and then revisit Luke 2:14. What do you see? Why is this important?
8. Why did Jesus weep over Jerusalem?
9. What made the Lord so angry at the Temple?
10. We read that Jesus’ enemies were looking to kill Him, but they could not find a way. Why? What does this tell us about how the leaders viewed the people?

Prayer:  Almighty God, I feel the conflict rise as Holy Week begins. Thank you for coming to seek and save the lost. Thank you for being Lord over all creation and proving you care so deeply about everything you made and love. Thank you as well for being a warrior God who fights to save me, even from myself. Forgive me for misaligned priorities and placing my desires over you and everything else. May I glorify you in the highest places, knowing that must come first in my heart. I praise you as I pray in your holy name. Amen.