Luke 19

Curiosity Rewarded

Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

Jesus passed through Jericho, the destroyed city that Joshua cursed.

Josh 6:26 And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.

Luke 19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

A rich young man, a tax collector who was rich.

Luke 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

He was determined to see Jesus, even climbing high into a Sycamore tree.

Luke 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

If we look for Jesus we will find him and he will come into your house, in a spiritual sense, he now comes to us in the Holy Spirit, within our innermost being.

Luke 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

He was so happy to be received by Jesus, just as we were when we received him.

Luke 19:7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

Well, we were all sinners when Jesus came to us, so why judge?

Luke 19:8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

Zacchaeus was moved to repentance, so wanting to be accepted by Jesus. How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, but here is one. He gave away half of his wealth to the poor and was willing to restore fourfold to any one he had lied to. Tax collectors made their wages by adding a fee to the taxes.

Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Jesus honored this repentant Jew with salvation, he received the one who was promised to the Jews and entered the kingdom of God. There was another rich young man who wanted to enter the kingdom. He came to Jesus saying he kept all the laws, but he was covetous.

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Two rich young men, both wanted etermal life, one was repentant giving up wealth, he was received with joy. The other left in sadness, not wanting to give up his earthly treasures.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

We should never judge sinners, but we should show them Jesus. The kingdom of God is at hand, all who are willing to leave all behind may enter in, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark 10:29 And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,
Mark 10:30 But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.
Mark 10:31 But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Name it and claim it?

Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom should immediately appear.

They were nearing Jerusalem as Jesus was about to tell them a parable. Notice that they had already visualized what would happen in Jerusalem. They thought that Jesus would use his powers to bring the kingdom of God to Jerusalem. Bring us a magic kingdom, of our own imagination; a Disneyland? Perhaps this is why they could not hear him earlier.

Luke 9:22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.

They were of the name it and claim it people. We want the kingdom now, so God you do what we want. No, God does not have to do what we think. We must learn to hear him and what he says and thinks. Then we can claim his promises as our own, if we trust in him. Never are we to believe and act from our own will. This is something we learn with time. Be still, listen, and be patient. He will do as he said, not as we imagine. It was not yet the time for his kingdom, but it is coming. First he must go to the cross. Look up he is coming again.

Parable of the Ten Servants

Luke 19:12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

The parable has a spiritual interpretation. Jesus came from heaven to a far country, Israel, and to return to the Father.

Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.

Ten servants, ten disciples were given equal money, or gifts and were to occupy until he returns. We have been given spiritual gifts and resources from Jesus to use until he returns and we are to give an account for what we have done with these.

Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

The ten disciples were in a hostile world that did not want Jesus to be their Lord.

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

His disciples were to use his resources to increase the kingdom of God. As Jesus said to them:

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.

After the kingdom was established, the disciples were to give an account of what they did with the gifts given unto them.

Luke 19:16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.

His gift had increased ten times. If we use what God has given to us, it will be increased.

Luke 19:17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.

He was given authority over ten cities in the Millennial kingdom, because of faithfulness.

1 Pet 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Luke 19:18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
Luke 19:19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
Luke 19:20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
Luke 19:21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.

One disciple had hidden his talent, keeping it covered because he feared the master. Because of fear he did nothing with what was given to him.

Luke 19:22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
Luke 19:23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?

He could have invested his gift somewhere, even if it was limited, it would have blessed another. He hid the light that was given to him.

Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Luke 19:24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
Luke 19:25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)

The Lord would have someone else serve where he had failed. They would receive the increase for doing the others required service. His anointing would be increased.

Luke 19:26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.

If we use what gifts God has given to us, they will increase. If we are fearful and unworthy, your gift will be given to another, Fear is one of the things that can condemn a person.

Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Was the unprofitable servant destroyed?

Luke 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Who were his enemies? All those who would not receive him. Remember the ten disciples were in a land that for the most part hated the Lord. Was the unprofitable servant destroyed? I do not think so, but he did not receive rewards in the kingdom. He had no nations to rule over and he was not a priest, because he did not use the gift Jesus gave to him. We are given grace by faith, unto good works.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Praise God for the gift of grace and the Spiritual gifts we receive. Let's not be unprofitable servants saying being saved is enough, because we are to use what God has given to us as we have the opportunity.

Luke 19:28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

Prepare the Colt

Luke 19:28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

The city of Jerusalem is always up. He went knowing that their was hostility waiting; he would be killed by the jealous religious leaders. Yet he would enter Jerusalem so that all would see him, as a king riding a colt. We are not to fear our enemies. Jesus said we may also be singled out to be killed as his disciples at the end time.

Mat 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Luke 19:29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

Bethany was where his friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived.

Luke 19:30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.

The colt was not a horse, to ride a horse symbolized war. The colt was not set on by any other, it was set aside for the masters use. It was an ass, or donkey. The symbol of peace.

The ass was the mount of a man of peace, a merchant or a priest. A king might ride an ass on occasion, but he would be more likely to appear on a mighty war-horse. Zechariah's prophecy saw Messiah as the Prince of peace. (Morris)

Luke 19:31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
Luke 19:32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
Luke 19:33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
Luke 19:34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

They did something for the Lord. How often do we ask for things for ourselves? It is good to ask, but what can we do for you Jesus? He had told them what he wanted, has he told you what he wants from you? It was time for Jesus to receive glory, for a very brief time, for he must go to the cross.

Blessed be the King

Luke 19:35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
Luke 19:36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

Their garments were offered in praise to the king. Also palm leaves were used.

Mat 21:8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strowed them in the way.

John 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Branches were used in praise, during the feast of tabernacles, as they were used here for praise to the king of Israel.

Lev 23:40 And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

Luke 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;

They had seen Lazarus raised from the dead, blind man were made to see, lepers, all manner of diseases healed as well as great miracles; water turned to wine, loaves and fishes increased, the wind and sea calmed. Praise him for his words.

Luke 19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Blessed be the King, Jesus was born to be King of the Jews, but his kingdom was not yet on earth. Peace in heaven, but also peace in our hearts shed by the Holy Ghost. Glory in the highest, glory in heaven, glory on earth.

Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. They praised Jesus with their thoughts. How do we praise him. Do we think of his works, his moving in our lives, or what he will do? However we worship him, it should be in truth.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

The Pharisees were watching, they did not glorify Jesus, they were upset with this great crowd praising him.

Luke 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luke 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

What an answer, if they do not praise him, the stones will cry out. If we do not praise him? The earth praises him.

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Isa 55:12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

Hosanna to the king, blessed is the king that shall reign in Jerusalem, glory to his name!

The Visitation

Luke 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

The loud Hosannas to the king, faded in the distance, the clothes and palm branches are still behind him as he looks forward to accomplishing his final work on the cross. He must go to Jerusalem and he was now there. He looked over the city with tears falling from his eyes.

Luke 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

Jesus was their peace, the peace of Jerusalem, but they would not come to him, for they could not really see who the Messiah was or what he had come to do.

Luke 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
Luke 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

He looked to the near future, the destruction of Jerusalem and her people, why? Because they had missed the visitation of their savior. They would reject God's best, their salvation and had chosen unbelief, following blindly the power of satan, rather than the power of God. Who do we follow? Are there sorrows in our life? Is it because we have listened to another voice and followed the power of satan? Listen with spiritual ears to the voice of Jesus, calling you back to his peace and a sound mind.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Merchandise

Luke 19:45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
Luke 19:46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

The court of the Gentiles, were the outer courts where Gentiles came seeking to worship God. In this place were animals, sold for sacrifices and money changers who cheated, giving an unfair rate of exchange for money from other places to be converted into the temple money. It was made into a den of thieves, making merchandise and gain from those seeking God.

Any ministry that sells their work must pray about this. Are they serving God or are they keeping the Gentiles from God, those seeking God, making merchandise of them? Are we helping others find Jesus or are we in the way? What is our motive? Will Jesus say, well done good and faithful servant? or depart from me, ye worker of iniquity?

Destroyers

Luke 19:47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
Luke 19:48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

Jesus knew they were seeking to kill him. The people who had the responsibility to teach the laws of God were in their hearts evil. Sin had entered in their hearts and satan controlled them, using him to eventually kill God's only begotten son. Jesus boldly went to the temple and shared the word of God, even in the midst of opposition. He served his Father, not the religious leaders. He spoke the true word of God, not to please the crowd nor to agree with the thoughts of the minds of men. He continued to be faithful to his calling.

We will face opposition too, yet in the presence of the enemies of God we are to continue in our callings. We serve God, he tells us what to say and to whom. Judge not before the time, but be faithful to your Lord.

Jer 1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Jer 1:9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.
Jer 1:10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.

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