“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” [Luke 19:38]

We began the Lucan travel narrative in Luke 9:51 with Jesus resolutely setting out for Jerusalem. Ten chapters later, we arrive at Jerusalem. All along the way Jesus has been teaching, healing, and confronting the Pharisees. The crowds have gathered as Passover approaches, and the entire nation is in uproar.

Jesus is no longer concealing his identity. He reveals himself as the promised King and Savior by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, an Old Testament sign of royalty. The crowd receives him as king, shouting “Hosanna!” and spreading cloaks and palm branches for him to walk on.

This is the moment for which the Jewish people had been waiting for centuries. While Matthew records that the people are saying, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,” Luke records that many of them say, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord” (Matt. 21:9; Luke 19:38).

By describing the king as one “who comes in the name of the Lord,” they acknowledge that the kingship of Jesus is designated by God himself.

Luke goes on to include another exclamation of the people: “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” The word for peace is shalom, the covenant peace for which they have yearned for centuries. At last the people see this peace breaking through with the advent of their king—peace in heaven with God, and peace on earth.

“Glory in the highest,” they shout. The greatest level of glory is about to break through into history, they cry. The glory of God as revealed in the Old Testament is going to be surpassed, now that the Messiah has finally arrived.

We notice that this is almost identical to the song Luke tells us was sung by the angels at the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:14). Men are now singing angels’ songs. Heaven is coming to earth.

Before the Face of God…

Jesus’ triumphal entry is celebrated every Palm Sunday. Look back on these celebrations and then look forward to the ultimate celebration of Jesus’ kingship we will enjoy in heaven. Develop a deeper appreciation for the universal rule of Christ and the honor we will receive when we too will sing, “Hosanna in the highest!”

--Source: Sproul, R. Vol. Book two: Before the face of God: Book two: A daily guide for living from the Gospel of Luke.