Luke 19:31 – “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus continues His instructions to the two disciples He has sent to retrieve the colt. He anticipates that someone might question why they are untying the animal, so He gives them a simple response: “The Lord needs it.” This statement carries weight and authority, showing that Jesus is in complete control of the situation. It also suggests that the owner of the colt will recognize this as a valid reason, perhaps implying that they are either followers of Jesus or that God has prepared their hearts to cooperate with His plan.
This seemingly small detail in the story demonstrates how every aspect of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is intentional and meaningful. The colt is not just an ordinary animal—it has been set aside for a sacred purpose. By saying, “The Lord needs it,” Jesus is asserting His authority and signaling that this event is part of God’s divine plan.
Historical Context
During this time, it would have been unusual for someone to take an animal without permission, so Jesus’ instructions to the disciples show that He is aware of what will happen and is preparing them for it. The phrase “The Lord needs it” would have been understood as a statement of authority. In ancient Jewish culture, “the Lord” was often a term used to refer to God, but here it also refers to Jesus Himself, implying His divine authority.
In Jewish history, animals were often used in religious ceremonies or special events, so the idea that an animal could be set apart for a specific purpose would not have been strange to Jesus’ followers or to the colt’s owner. The fact that the colt had never been ridden (as mentioned in Luke 19:30) further emphasizes its sacred role in this event.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the authority of Jesus as Lord. By giving the disciples specific instructions and anticipating the response they will receive, Jesus demonstrates His sovereignty and knowledge of events before they happen. The simple statement, “The Lord needs it,” reflects the idea that everything belongs to God and can be used for His purposes. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
Theologically, this verse also reminds us that God often uses ordinary things for extraordinary purposes. A simple colt becomes a key part of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling prophecy and declaring His kingship. In the same way, God can use ordinary people, resources, and circumstances to accomplish His will.
This verse also points to the idea of surrender and obedience. The colt’s owner does not resist or argue when the disciples explain that “the Lord needs it.” This reflects the kind of response God desires from His followers—willingness to give what we have for His purposes.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s Gospel often highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge and authority, and this verse fits into that pattern. The instruction to say, “The Lord needs it,” is brief but powerful. It serves as a turning point in the story, setting the stage for Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The simplicity of the statement contrasts with its deep significance, reflecting how God often works through simple acts of obedience to fulfill His grand purposes.
The phrase “The Lord needs it” also carries a sense of urgency and purpose. It implies that this moment is divinely appointed and that everything is happening according to God’s perfect plan. Luke’s careful attention to detail helps the reader see that nothing about Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is accidental or improvised—it is all part of a divine mission.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” This verse emphasizes God’s ownership of all things.
- Zechariah 9:9 – “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” This prophecy is fulfilled by Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on the colt.
- Exodus 13:2 – “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal.” This Old Testament principle reflects the idea that some things are set apart for God’s purposes.
- Mark 11:3 – The parallel account in Mark includes Jesus’ instruction to say, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly,” showing that the colt’s owner is reassured about its return.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that everything we have belongs to God and should be available for His purposes. When God calls us to give our time, talents, or resources, we should respond with obedience, trusting that He will use them for His glory. The colt’s owner didn’t hesitate when told that “the Lord needs it,” and we are called to have the same willingness to surrender what God asks of us.
This verse also challenges believers to trust God’s plans, even when we don’t fully understand them. The disciples may not have known the full significance of retrieving the colt, but they obeyed Jesus’ instructions. In the same way, we are called to obey God, even when His plans are not immediately clear to us. Faithfulness in small tasks often leads to greater opportunities to be part of God’s work.
Additionally, this verse teaches that God’s plans often involve the cooperation of His people. Jesus could have miraculously summoned the colt, but instead, He involved His disciples and the colt’s owner in the process. This shows that God invites us to participate in His work and uses our obedience to bring about His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His desire to include His people in His plans. He doesn’t need our help, but He chooses to work through us, giving us the opportunity to be part of something greater than ourselves. Just as the disciples and the colt’s owner played a role in Jesus’ triumphal entry, God invites believers to play a role in His kingdom work.
God’s love is also seen in His provision. The colt was already prepared and waiting, showing that God had orchestrated everything in advance. This reminds us that God knows what we need before we ask and that He provides what is necessary to accomplish His purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ identity as Lord and King. By giving specific instructions and demonstrating foreknowledge, Jesus shows that He is not just a teacher or prophet—He is the sovereign Lord who is orchestrating His own entry into Jerusalem to fulfill God’s plan of salvation. His authority over the colt reflects His authority over all creation.
The phrase “The Lord needs it” also points to Jesus’ mission of humility and service. Instead of entering Jerusalem on a warhorse, He chooses a humble colt, fulfilling the prophecy of a King who comes in peace. This reflects the nature of Jesus’ mission—to save humanity not through force, but through love and sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does the phrase “The Lord needs it” teach you about God’s authority over your life and possessions?
- Are there areas in your life where you struggle to surrender what God is asking of you? How can you trust Him more fully?
- How does this verse encourage you to be faithful in small tasks, knowing that they are part of God’s greater plan?
- What ordinary things in your life might God be calling you to use for His purposes?
- How can you reflect Jesus’ humility and obedience in your daily walk with God?
This verse reminds us that God’s plans are perfect, His authority is absolute, and His love invites us to participate in His mission. As we respond with obedience and trust, we can experience the joy of being part of His work in the world.