Commentary by the fathers on Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem

Luke 19:29-36

The triumphant Entrance Into Jerusalem

Jesus draws near to Bethphage and Bethany, which are right outside the city, Bethany meaning “obedience” and Bethphage “a house of jaws’’ that is, a place for priests (ORIGEN). Then he draws near to the descent from the Mount of Olives, where the city of Jerusalem comes into view, in order to plant new olives trees-the Gentiles-that would worship him (AMBROSE). For three years of ministry in Galilee and en route to Jerusalem Jesus is never spoken of as riding on a colt; for this short distance from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem, much is now made of preparing for this journey on a colt (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA).

Jesus is a king, but he begins his life in humility in a manger in Bethlehem and now concludes his work by humbly riding on a colt into Jerusalem (EPHREM THE SYRIAN). There is a clear echo of the promise of Jacob to the house of Judah: “Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he washes his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes. “The “wine” and “blood of grapes” suggest the imminent outpouring of Jesus’ blood (JUSTIN MARTYR). The garments thrown over the colt represent the virtues of the disciples as they prepare the colt for Jesus, the mystic rider who will now enter Jerusalem and the hearts of the Gentile believers (AMBROSE).

Luke 19:37-48

Reaction to Jesus’ entrance and the fate of Jerusalem

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, apostles and children proclaim his divine glory, while the Pharisees call to Jesus to rebuke his disciples (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA).

At Jesus’ birth there is peace on earth. As he enters Jerusalem for his passion and resurrection, there is peace in heaven. Earth and heaven are joined together in peace through the incarnation and atonement of Christ (CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA).

By weeping over this city, Jesus fulfills in himself the beatitude “blessed are those who weep.” Jesus weeps not only for this city but also for all believers who fall away because of sin and the evil spirits that surround them (ORIGIN). Jesus prophetically describes with detailed accuracy here and later during his eschatological discourse in the temple how devastating the city’s future destruction will be at the hands of Titus during the reign of Vespasian (EUSEBIUS).

The temple will become the locale for Jesus’ teaching during these final days. Hence it must be cleansed so that the holiness of Jesus may dwell in a holy place. Some of the moneychangers cannot distinguish good from evil and do not realize that all money is the Lord’s (AMBROSE). Casting them out is a violent act by Jesus, but no more violent than the casting out of demons (AUGUSTINE).

Source

Oden, T.C. & Just Jr., A. (2003). Luke (The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, New Testament part III). Illinois (U.S.A): InterVarsity Press. Pages 296, 298, 299.