Luke 19

Luke 19:1

As we come to chapter 19, we are geographically fifteen miles northeast of Jerusalem as Jesus travels toward the Holy City. Chronologically, we are at the final week of our Lord’s time on earth. “Publican” is the name for a tax collector. Tax collectors were not intended to be rich men, but their position allowed them to become exceedingly wealthy if they overcharged the people. Therefore, the fact that Zacchaeus was rich indicates he was probably dishonest.

Luke 19:3

What a scene: Zacchaeus, a wealthy Roman official, first ransomething dignified men never didthen scrambled up a tree in order to catch a glimpse of this One passing by. John Calvin said the foundation of faith is childlike curiosity and simplicity. Jesus said that we must enter the kingdom as a little child (Luk_18:17), as one who doesn’t have all the answers but simply believes. Zacchaeus models this beautifully.

Luke 19:5

Although Zacchaeus may have thought he was seeking Jesus, in reality it was Jesus who found him. The same is true of us (Rom_3:11). The word translated “abide” is the same word Paul uses in Ephesians when, praying for the believers, he says, “for this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to dwell in your hearts by faith” (see Eph_3:17). The word literally means “to be comfortable.” I like that! Some people have a very tense or uptight relationship with Jesus, as evidenced by either the formality or excessive emotion of their prayers. What a beautiful thing it is, however, to hear people pray who simply enjoy the Lord and are comfortable with Him.

Luke 19:6

Although Abraham is indeed the Father of Faith, James points to him as an example that faith without works is dead. After all, Abraham was ready to sacrifice Isaac as a proof of his faith (Jas_2:21). Paul, on the other hand, points to Abraham as proof that justification is apart from works (Rom_4:13). Interestingly, in the story of Zacchaeus we see the perfect blending of Romans 4 and James 2for just as Abraham believed God, so did Zacchaeus; and just as Abraham willingly offered to sacrifice his son, so Zacchaeus willingly offered the sacrifice of his goods.

Luke 19:11

On the heels of Zacchaeus’ practical demonstration of his true conversion, Jesus begins to teach on practical stewardship in the parable of the pounds…

Luke 19:12

This parable is different than the parable of the talents (Matthew 25). The parable of the talentsin which men were given one, five, and ten talentsspeaks of a variety of gifts and ministries given to believers. On the other hand, the parable of the poundsin which everyone is given the same amountspeaks of equality of opportunity… Because of what they accomplish, it seems some people are given more time each day. The fact is, however, that we are all given the same twenty-four hours every day. Although the amount may differ radically, we have all been given the same opportunity to invest one-tenth of our income in the kingdom. Although we may be inclined to think that we can’t witness because the message we have been given to share is a lot harder than the message others are given, we have all been given precisely the same gospel.

Luke 19:14

“We don’t want this man to rule over us,” said the citizenry. This was the very thing they would say a few days later of the Lord Himself (Joh_19:15).

Luke 19:15

Even though they were in a setting hostile to the nobleman, his servants still had responsibility to carry out his command.

Luke 19:16

The one who is faithful in investing the poundbe it time, tithe, or gospelwill be given ten cities to rule. The one who is semi-faithful will be given five cities. The one who is faithless will lose the opportunity of service altogether. In other words, Jesus is telling us that the reward for good work is more work. “If the reward for work is more work, why work?” you might ask. Although everyone will be elated in heaven, those who are presently faithful will be challenged and excited. They will grow and develop. On the other hand, those who didn’t invest their time, talents, or finances in heaven will walk the streets of gold wishing they had been given responsibility in the kingdom.

Luke 19:27

Preparing to come down the hillside called the Mount of Olives into the city of Jerusalem, Jesus sends His disciples to get a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9.

Luke 19:31

“Because the Lord hath need of him.” What an irony it is that the Lord would have need of anything. But He does. He needed a boat from which to preach (Luk_5:3-6). He needed some loaves and fishes with which to feed the crowd (Mat_14:16-18). He needed a coin through which to make a point (Mat_22:19). He needed a room in which to share the Last Supper with His disciples (Mat_26:18). He needed a tomb from which to rise from the dead (Mat_27:60). Our Lord has chosen to place Himself in a position of need. Paul said He who was rich became poor for our sake (2Co_8:9). Why? I believe one of the reasons was in order that we might partner with Him in what He wants to do on the earth. Whether it’s preaching the Word or feeding the multitude, the Lord has chosen to say, “I need you.”

Luke 19:32

Before the donkey could be used by the Lord, it first had to be loosed. That’s exactly what we’re to do. Even though we are born again, like Lazarus coming forth from the grave, oftentimes, we’re still bound (Joh_11:44). But as we come and hear the Word, as we stand hand in hand with our brothers and sisters in prayer, we find ourselves loosed, released from that which so easily binds us.

Luke 19:35

Jesus’ usual mode was to shun publicity. However, He knew that once the multitude cried out to Him and once He received their praise, His enemies had to either coronate Him King or crucify Him as a criminal. Thus, He’s forcing their hand.

Luke 19:38

Luke’s Gospel began with the angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth” (see Luk_2:14). Here, toward the end of his Gospel, because man will reject the Prince of Peace, there will still be glory to God in the highestbut no peace on earth.

Luke 19:39

“He came unto His own, and His own received Him not,” writes John of Jesus (Joh_1:11). The first word translated “own” refers to creation; the second to humanity. In other words, as evidenced by the water that supported Him (Mat_14:25), the storm that stopped for Him (Mar_4:39), the rocks that were ready to praise Him had He not quieted them, nature indeed received Him. It is only humanity that fails to do so. Put the skeptic in Candlestick Park or the Super Bowl, and he will become a radical worshiper. Watch the hands of those who wouldn’t be caught dead lifting their hands in worship to the Lord shoot into the air the minute Jerry Rice scores a touchdown. Listen to the sound of applause from those who wouldn’t ever clap in worship to the Lord the moment Roger Craig makes a ten-yard gain. Because man is innately a worshiper, he does indeed worship. But it’s misdirected toward movie stars or athletes rather than to the only One to whom worship is truly due.

Luke 19:41

As the crowd rejoiced, our Lord wept. His heart was broken by what He saw everywhere He looked… As He looked on the city of Jerusalem, He knew she had missed her day. Had the people been studying prophecy, they would have known that this was the exact day of His arrival. As He looked within, He saw hearts filled with hypocrisy and iniquity. As He looked ahead, He saw that the city would be surrounded by her enemies, the people slaughtered mercilessly. Indeed, before forty years would pass, the Romans would besiege Jerusalem and in the ensuing one hundred forty-three days, between six hundred thousand and over one million Jews would be killed. This man’s Man who would drive out the moneychangers from the temple with no one daring to stop Him was nonetheless brought to tears as He saw what was happening and where it was leading. Truly there is no one like Jesus, for no one else would weep compassionately for a people He knew would not only reject Him but also crucify Him. I love the Lord because He didn’t give up on Jerusalem; He doesn’t give up on me; and He won’t give up on you.

Luke 19:45

The priests who were supposed to be praying for the people were instead those who preyed on the people. They charged exorbitant rates of exchange for the foreign currency worshipers brought for offering and inflated prices for temple-approved animals to sacrifice.

Luke 19:47

In a few days, Jesus knew Annas and the chief priests would get revenge. Until then, He would keep teaching. As your margin may render this passage, the people hung on every word Jesus spoke. I find the choice of words interesting, for as they hung on His words, He was about to hang on the Cross for them. Hanging on His Words A Topical Study of Luk_19:47-48 As He taught in the temple, people hung on every word Jesus spoke. This is not unusual, for over and over in the Gospel accounts, we come across similar phrases… The common people heard Him gladly (Mar_12:37). They wondered at the gracious words He spoke (Luk_4:22). They were astonished at His doctrine (Mar_1:22). Jesus communicated in a way that captivated people because He not only preached with clarity but practiced what He preached perfectly. I suggest His Word will captivate you as well to the degree that you study it in the following ways… Conversationally “You search the Scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life, but these are they which speak of Me,” Jesus declared (Joh_5:39). Therefore, whether in your devotions morning by morning or joining with fellow believers on a Wednesday evening, the key to Bible study is to realize the purpose is to touch Jesus intimately. How does this happen? I believe it takes place most effectively through conversation. When I’m out of town, I always look forward to calling my wife. When I call her, I don’t say, “Tammy, this is Jon. Listen carefully…” and then proceed to talk nonstop for fifteen minutes before telling her it’s her turn to talk, after which time I hang up. No, true communication consists of give-and-take, an ebb and flow. Yet when it comes to conversing with our Lord, our tendency is to say, “Okay, Lord, You can talk to me for fifteen minutes through Your Word, and then I’ll talk to You for fifteen minutes through prayer.” I’m not saying you can’t communicate that way. But I am saying it lacks intimacy. Therefore, I suggest that you talk to the Lord even as you’re reading the Word. When you come across a phrase that convicts you, pray about it. Say, “Oh, Lord, forgive me. I’ve missed the mark so badly.” And then go back to the Word and take in some more. When you come to a verse that comforts you, pray about it. Say, “Thank You, Lord for this reminder of Your goodness to me.” Dialoguing with the Lord back and forth makes such a difference. The same is true congregationally. Many of you have learned the secret of how to pray even as you’re listening to a sermon. When a point is made that comforts you, you pray, “Lord, thank You for that.” When a point is made that challenges you, you’ve learned to pray, “Lord, help me to do that.” Thus, Bible study is never boring because you’re touching Jesus through the Word even while teaching is taking place. You can experience intimacy with the Lord even as you’re listening to the Word if you pray in what you’re being taught from the Scriptures. In the past twenty years, there has been a tremendous renewal of Bible studyand that’s terrific. But there’s also been a diminished appreciation for prayer, and that is tragic. Bible study will motivate your Christian life, but it is only prayer that activates Christian life. You can hear a wonderful Bible study, but your life will remain unchanged until it is activated by prayer. It’s as if Bible study builds the car, but prayer is the key that turns on the ignition. Consequently, we have lots of really nice shiny cars in the parking lot of Christendom todaybut hardly any of them go anywhere.

There’s an abundance of knowledge and insights, but not a whole lot of moving because there’s not a whole lot of praying. Wise and blessed is the brother or sister who learns to study the Word conversationally as they pray into their lives the points that penetrate their hearts. Expectantly “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Let not that man expect to receive anything,” James warns (Jas_1:6-7). If I come to the Lord in the morning or to church in the evening without expecting to receive anything, I probably won’t. Wrestling with some issues in his own life, Habakkuk was wondering what he should do. “I will go to the tower,” he said, “and I will wait and see what the Lord shall say to me.” In other words, Habakkuk expected to hear from God. God honored Habakkuk’s expectancy and said, “I’m going to give you a vision, Habakkuk. Get out your pencil and write it down” (Hab_2:2). When I approach morning devotions with my pencil sharp and journal open, God speaks. When I come yawning and drowsy, He doesn’t. It’s just that simple. If you are expecting to receive from the Lord, you will always walk away a richer man or woman because you will indeed hear from Him. On the other hand, if you come with lethargy, sleepiness, and apathy, you’ll leave lethargic, sleepy, and apathetic. Even if you don’t refer to your notes again, write down truth. Why? Because the very act of writing affords one the ability to better retain information. That is why when Old Testament kings first ascended the throne, they were to copy the Law of Moses into a book in order that it might be lodged in their hearts and minds (Deu_17:18). Try it. Try having morning devotions this week with pencil and paper before you. Come to Bible study expecting the Lord to speak to you. Then watch and see what happens. I think you’ll find a radical difference in your ability to hang on His words. Obediently The reason some say, “I’m not receiving anything from the Word I’m reading or the teachings I’m hearing,” could very well be that, because they are not obeying that which they’ve already heard, they will not receive more. This is not because they are being punished, but because our loving Father will not give us more than we can handle (Heb_5:12-14). That’s why Jesus told us that the one who has shall be given more, but the one who doesn’t havethe one who is not obeyingwill actually go backward in his knowledge of the Word and in his understanding of God (Mar_4:24-25). Either I am doing what God says and finding more meat every time I open the Word, or I will lose even the understanding I had previously. Therefore, I must listen obediently. I must say, “Lord, I’m not here simply to satisfy my curiosity or stimulate my intellect. I’m here to do Your will. I am determined to work out in my life practically the things You’re telling me through this study. By Your grace, I will do what You say.” Then more meat will be sent your waymore understanding, more insight, more revelation, more opportunity. Consistently Read the Word consistently and don’t give upeven if you don’t understand what you’re reading. All too often we become so concerned about what we don’t understand in the Bible that we only read it sporadically at best. But I guarantee you that, because the Holy Spirit lives within you, even though you might not understand the majority of a given chapter, there will be a verse or a phrase that will impact your heart. Focus on what you do understand. Even that which you don’t understand will nonetheless strengthen your inner man. I can’t tell you how the chicken dinner I had last night nourishes me. I don’t know how amino acids and protein molecules work chemically or nutritionally. I just dig in and let them sustain me and give weight to me. The same is true of the Word. You might not understand intellectually every nuance or doctrine, but it will still energize and edify your inner person. It will still do its work. It will still give you spiritual weight and stamina (Isa_55:11). If you are faithful to study consistently, even though it might seem dry to you initially, there will come a time when water will fill those dry ditches you dig faithfully. With a drought in the land, things looked grim. “Dig ditches in the sand,” Elisha said to the king.“But it’s bone dry,” Jehoshaphat protested. “Do it anyway,” Elisha insisted. No doubt the diggers were sweating and complaining, but dig they did. The next day, they woke to see the ditches full of water (2Ki_3:20). A lot of things we study seem dry to us initially. But if we don’t give up, we’ll find those very ditches full of water. Every Scripture is pregnant with meaning. Every text abounds with insightbut it takes a lifetime to discover and appreciate them. If we don’t give up, that which we once thought was bone dry becomes refreshing and wonderful. We start seeing that every Old Testament story is given as a picture of a New Testament principle, that all of the stories are powerful illustrations of practical and applicable truth. And as you begin to make the correlations, Bible study becomes an adventure.