Read Luke 20:1-8

Surely one of the most exasperating experiences of life is facing innocent-sounding questions from persons who encounter truth and do not want to face it.

The religious bigwigs’ inquiry is the first of four questions Luke records in Chapter 20. This one has to do with Jesus’ authority and identity. “These things” (v. 2) the priests and teachers mention would have included His triumphal entry, His driving the traders from the temple, His miracles. All were actions to be expected from Messiah. In all of them Jesus was making Himself His own authority. Those inquiring were educated religious leaders who should have been looking for the Messiah, searching the scriptures to see if Jesus fit the prophecies. Instead, they saw Jesus as a threat. If the people transferred their loyalty to Jesus, it would dry up their source of money and power.

Jesus knew His questioners were insincere, but He was never rude and He never missed an opportunity to teach. No answer Jesus gave would have satisfied His questioners. However, others overhearing might be helped. He gave the experts a courteous hearing, then discredited these authorities on the Law before a large audience.

He was a skilled debater. Rabbinical debate often took the form of question and counter question. When Jesus answered their question with another one, and they had no answer, Jesus had no further obligation to debate until they answered His question. Jesus won.

Read Luke 19:41-48

Lost opportunities, that’s what they were.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was an opportunity for all to see Him, respond and praise Him if they would. Did the people do it? Some did; others did not.

Why did Jesus weep over Jerusalem? Because that city lost her chance. The people could have repented and lived. They chose to go their own way and die. Jesus’ prediction (vv. 43-44) took place in 70 A.D., less than 40 years later, when the Romans invaded and destroyed Jerusalem.

This was an unparalleled occasion to praise God. Instead, worship got lost in the shuffle of commerce (vv. 45-46). Are we guilty of this same sin? We don’t buy and sell animals in church these days. But do we get so carried away with preparations for some church affair—the speaker, the food, the decorations—that we miss our chance to worship? Jesus did not condemn parties. Neither did He criticize buying a lamb to sacrifice for Passover if it were acquired properly. To everything there is a time and place, and these persons were not observing either. Let us not miss an occasion for devotion, lost in busyness.

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day sought another opportunity, a chance to get rid of Him (vv. 47-48). Ultimately they found it, as Jesus knew they would. Unknowingly their action provided Jesus with His special opportunity—to die for us all (Luke 22:20).

Read Luke 19:28-40

Why did Jesus make a Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem?

Jesus is publicly proclaiming His kingship. In doing so He pointedly avoids any of the trappings usually associated with kings. No purple robes, no golden scepter or crown, no warhorse. Instead, He fulfills the prophet’s words that the King of all the universe would appear, not ready for war, but as Savior, humbly riding into His capital on a borrowed colt, honored with the garments of peasants, hailed with palm branches instead of billowing silk banners.

Zechariah predicted it hundreds of years before. Messiah comes to Jerusalem “righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey” (Zech. 9:9). That time He came as Redeemer. “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” cried the crowds (v. 38). And they were right. He did come to bring heaven’s peace to earth.

he story does not end there. He will return some day in judgment. None of us will mistake his kingship. “Before me every knee will bow,” predicts Isaiah, speaking of the returning King (Isa. 45:23). Paul quotes Isaiah’s words in his letter to the Romans (14:11) and incorporates it into his admonition to the Philippians (2:10).

How will we greet Him? If we bow to His will now, we will welcome Him in the future with shouts of joy. If we refuse Him obeisance now, we will bow later, but in sadness and tears.

Read Luke 19:11-27

Did you used to play tennis? Create wood carvings? Write poetry? Have you discovered to your horror that the ability has disappeared through lack of use?

In this story Jesus is not emphasizing our differences. The nobleman gave each of these persons the same amount. He was generous; the mina was about three months’ wages.

One servant did nothing with his mina (or golden coin, as some translations say) because he was afraid of the person who gave him the money in the first place. If the giver had not expected him to use it, why did he give it to him?

The Lord showers varying abilities upon us all, thick as autumn leaves. Why do we fail to develop our talents? Fear of what others will think? Afraid to start because we might not be able to finish? Laziness, lack of ambition? How many of us miss God’s plan for our lives because we don’t see any way to accomplish it? Do we bewail what we don’t have instead of working hard to develop what we have been given? We forget that God does not ask us to undertake His work alone. Jesus never leaves us standing in the middle of the road wondering what to do with our precious gift. He promises His grace, His presence, His wisdom.

What golden coin of talent are you wasting through disuse? Make it shine again. Jesus will help you.