Luke 19:38 – “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Extended Explanation
As Jesus rides the colt toward Jerusalem, the crowd of disciples praises Him with loud shouts, quoting from Psalm 118:26: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” Their words reveal that they recognize Jesus as a significant figure—likely as the promised Messiah, though many misunderstand the nature of His kingship. They believe He will bring political freedom and establish a kingdom of earthly power.
The phrase “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest” echoes the angelic announcement from Luke 2:14, when the angels proclaimed peace at Jesus’ birth. This connection ties the beginning of Jesus’ earthly mission to this climactic moment as He enters Jerusalem. The peace they speak of is not about ending conflict with Rome but a deeper peace—reconciliation between humanity and God.
The crowd’s enthusiasm is genuine, but their understanding of what Jesus will accomplish is incomplete. They praise Him as a king, but their vision of His kingship is limited to their immediate circumstances. Soon, many will turn against Him when they realize He isn’t the political leader they expected.
Historical Context
During the time of Jesus, Messianic expectations were high among the Jewish people. They were living under Roman rule and longing for a deliverer who would free them and restore Israel’s independence. The crowd’s declaration, “Blessed is the king,” reflects this hope, but they are thinking of a military or political king, not a spiritual one.
The words they use come from Psalm 118, a psalm often sung during major festivals, including Passover. This psalm was associated with God’s deliverance and victory, making it fitting for a crowd that believed Jesus was about to bring them liberation.
However, their expectations were misplaced. Jesus’ mission wasn’t to overthrow Rome but to deal with the deeper issue of sin. His entry into Jerusalem was the beginning of His journey to the cross, where He would achieve a far greater victory—one that brings eternal salvation.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the truth that Jesus is King, but His kingship is not like that of earthly rulers. He comes in the name of the Lord, meaning He is sent by God and acts according to God’s will. His mission is to bring peace, not through war or political revolution, but through His sacrifice on the cross. Isaiah 9:6 calls Jesus the “Prince of Peace,” and this peace is about restoring our relationship with God.
The crowd’s praise also reminds us of the importance of worshiping Jesus as King. However, true worship must be based on who Jesus is and what He came to do, not on our own expectations of what we want Him to do for us. Many in the crowd praised Him because they thought He would meet their earthly needs, but when He didn’t fulfill their expectations, they rejected Him. This warns us against having a conditional faith that depends on God meeting our immediate desires.
The phrase “Peace in heaven” is significant because it points to the reconciliation that Jesus brings between God and humanity. His death and resurrection make it possible for us to have peace with God, which is the foundation for all other peace in our lives.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s account of the triumphal entry is filled with symbolic and prophetic meaning. The use of Psalm 118:26 connects this moment to God’s promises of deliverance, but it also highlights the tension between expectation and reality. The crowd’s joyful shouts contrast with the events that will unfold in the coming days—Jesus will be rejected, arrested, and crucified.
Luke also draws a connection between this moment and the announcement of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:14. The phrase “glory in the highest” echoes the angels’ song, showing that Jesus’ mission of bringing peace and glory to God was planned from the beginning. The peace proclaimed at His birth will be fulfilled through His death and resurrection.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 118:26 – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you.” This verse is quoted by the crowd, linking their praise to the Messianic hope found in the Old Testament.
- Luke 2:14 – “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” The peace proclaimed at Jesus’ birth is connected to the peace mentioned in this verse.
- Zechariah 9:9 – “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” This prophecy is fulfilled by Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
- Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the one who brings peace.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us to worship Jesus as King with a heart of true understanding. The crowd praised Him with excitement, but many did so with shallow faith, expecting Him to meet their political and personal needs. We are called to worship Jesus for who He is—our Savior and King—regardless of whether our immediate circumstances align with our desires.
This verse also challenges us to examine whether our faith is rooted in God’s eternal purposes or in temporary expectations. Are we trusting Jesus to bring us peace with God, or are we only seeking Him to solve our temporary problems? True faith recognizes that Jesus’ primary mission was to address the root problem of sin, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God.
Additionally, the phrase “Peace in heaven” reminds us that true peace begins with being right with God. When we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, we experience a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace doesn’t depend on outward circumstances but comes from knowing that we are forgiven and secure in God’s love.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises. The crowd’s shouts of praise reflect the fact that Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. God’s love is consistent, and His plan for salvation, which began with His promises to Israel, was completed through Jesus.
God’s love is also seen in the way He sent Jesus to bring peace, not through force or domination, but through humility and sacrifice. The world often seeks peace through power, but God’s love provides a deeper, lasting peace through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points directly to Jesus as the King who comes in the name of the Lord. His entry into Jerusalem fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 and declares Him as the Messiah. However, His kingship is different from what many expected. He comes not to conquer nations but to conquer sin and death through His sacrifice.
The connection to the angelic announcement at His birth (Luke 2:14) shows that Jesus’ mission of peace and glory was part of God’s plan from the beginning. His death on the cross would establish peace between God and humanity, making it possible for us to be forgiven and reconciled to Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of worshiping Jesus for who He is, not just for what He can do for you?
- Are there areas in your life where you have placed expectations on Jesus that may not align with His true mission?
- How can you cultivate a heart of worship that is grounded in God’s eternal purposes rather than temporary desires?
- What does it mean for you to experience the peace that comes from being reconciled to God?
- How does Jesus’ humility in bringing peace challenge your understanding of leadership and greatness?
This verse calls us to praise Jesus as the King who brings true peace. As we reflect on His entry into Jerusalem, we are reminded that His mission was not to establish an earthly kingdom but to bring eternal salvation through His love and sacrifice. True worship involves acknowledging Him as the King of our lives and trusting in His perfect plan.