Read Luke 19:28-48

At the Berlin Conference in 1884–1885, the continent of Africa was carved up between European colonial powers. The new arbitrary boundaries did not reflect natural tribal divisions. When African nations began achieving independence in the 1950s and 60s, long-simmering tribal and ethnic conflicts often erupted, destabilizing the new governments with military coups, civil wars, and ethnic genocide.

Since Luke 9:51, Luke’s narrative has described Jesus’ resolute march toward Jerusalem—and some still expected that He would lead a violent coup and take political power. Jesus had often told His disciples that He expected to suffer and die in Jerusalem, but they did not grasp the significance of His words. And no doubt Jesus’ words were often strangely confusing—even in the closing of yesterday’s reading, we read the politically charged story of the king who intends to slaughter his enemies.

Luke builds a framework for describing Jesus’ return to Jerusalem. As we might remember, Luke 2 describes the twelveyear-old Jesus left behind in Jerusalem and found days later at the temple, sitting among the rabbis and asking questions. Here, as Jesus returns to Jerusalem, we find Him once again in His Father’s house. But this time He isn’t sitting at the feet of the rabbis. He is overturning the tables of the moneychangers, cleansing the temple of corruption (v. 45). When the news of Jesus’ birth was proclaimed to the shepherds in Luke 2, the angels sang of glory and peace. In today’s reading, as the crowds greet the coming king, they also sing of glory and peace (v. 38).

Their shouts of praise will soon turn murderous. But as Jesus reminds the Pharisees, God’s glory will be proclaimed nonetheless. Should humans fail to praise Him, the stones will become the praise band (v. 40).

APPLY THE WORD

Read Psalm 19 to see three important witnesses to God’s glory. First, creation testifies to the glory of the Creator. Second, Scripture bears witness to His nature. Finally, human beings are tasked with testimony of the divine (even if we often fail our job). Despite our imperfect worship, God will be praised and proclaimed!

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