J.C. Ryle expounds on Luke 19:28-40 to reveal the divine omniscience and sovereign authority of Christ as He fulfills prophecy and prepares for His passion.
In this expository sermon on Luke 19:28-40, J.C. Ryle explores the perfect knowledge and divine sovereignty of Jesus Christ as He prepares to enter Jerusalem. Ryle highlights Christ's fulfillment of prophecy and His unique divine attributes, encouraging believers to recognize and submit to Jesus as their sovereign King. This sermon deepens understanding of Christ’s nature and His control over all things, inspiring faith and worship.
Text
Let us mark, for one thing, in these verses, the perfect knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see Him sending two of His disciples to a village, and telling them that they would find at the entrance of it, "a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat." We see Him describing what they would see and hear, with as much confidence as if the whole transaction had been previously arranged. In short, He speaks like one to whom all things were naked and open, like one whose eyes were in every place--like one who knew things unseen as well as things seen.
An attentive reader will observe the same thing in other parts of the Gospel. We are told in one place that "He knew the thoughts" of His enemies. We are told in another, that "He knew what was in man." We are told in another, that "He knew from the beginning who they were that believed not and who should betray Him." (Luke 6:8; John 2:25; John 6:64.) Knowledge like this is the peculiar attribute of God. Passages like these are meant to remind us, that "the man Christ Jesus" is not only man. He is also "God blessed forever." (Rom. 9:5.)
The thought of Christ\
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The perfect knowledge of Christ demonstrated
- Christ’s foreknowledge of events and people
- The divine nature of Jesus affirmed
-
II
- The significance of the colt and the prophecy fulfilled
- Christ’s sovereign control over circumstances
- The public recognition of Jesus as Messiah
-
III
- The reaction of the crowds and the Pharisees
- The importance of acknowledging Christ’s kingship
- Lessons on faith and submission to Christ
Key Quotes
“He speaks like one to whom all things were naked and open, like one whose eyes were in every place--like one who knew things unseen as well as things seen.” — J.C. Ryle
“Knowledge like this is the peculiar attribute of God.” — J.C. Ryle
“The man Christ Jesus is not only man. He is also God blessed forever.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Trust in Christ’s sovereign knowledge even when circumstances seem uncertain.
- Recognize and worship Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.
- Submit daily to Christ’s authority in all areas of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the colt symbolize in this passage?
The colt symbolizes humility and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah’s peaceful entry into Jerusalem.
How does Jesus demonstrate divine knowledge in Luke 19:28-40?
Jesus shows divine knowledge by precisely predicting where the colt would be and understanding the thoughts and hearts of those around Him.
Why is Christ’s knowledge important for believers?
Christ’s knowledge assures believers of His divine nature and His sovereign control over all events, providing confidence in His power and purpose.
What is the main message of this sermon by J.C. Ryle?
The sermon emphasizes the divine omniscience and sovereignty of Christ as He fulfills prophecy and prepares for His passion.
How should believers respond to Christ’s kingship?
Believers should respond with faith, worship, and submission, recognizing Jesus as their sovereign Lord and King.
