28 And when he had said this, he went on in front of them, going up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came about that when he got near Beth-phage and Bethany by the mountain which is named the Mountain of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, 30 Saying, Go into the little town in front of you, and on going in you will see a young ass fixed with a cord, on which no man has ever been seated; let him loose and take him. 31 And if anyone says to you, Why are you taking him? say, The Lord has need of him. 32 And those whom he sent went away, and it was as he said. 33 And when they were getting the young ass, the owners of it said to them, Why are you taking the young ass? 34 And they said, The Lord has need of him. 35 And they took him to Jesus, and they put their clothing on the ass, and Jesus got on to him. 36 And while he went on his way they put their clothing down on the road in front of him. 37 And when he came near the foot of the Mountain of Olives, all the disciples with loud voices gave praise to God with joy, because of all the great works which they had seen; 38 Saying, A blessing on the King who comes in the name of the Lord; peace in heaven and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees among the people said to him, Master, make your disciples be quiet. 40 And he said in answer, I say to you, if these men keep quiet, the very stones will be crying out.
41 And when he got near and saw the town, he was overcome with weeping for it, 42 Saying, If you, even you, had knowledge today, of the things which give peace! but you are not able to see them. 43 For the time will come when your attackers will put a wall round you, and come all round you and keep you in on every side, 44 And will make you level with the earth, and your children with you; and there will not be one stone resting on another in you, because you did not see that it was your day of mercy.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Luke 19:28-44
Commentary on Luke 19:28-40
(Read Luke 19:28-40)
Christ has dominion over all creatures, and may use them as he pleases. He has all men's hearts both under his eye and in his hand. Christ's triumphs, and his disciples' joyful praises, vex proud Pharisees, who are enemies to him and to his kingdom. But Christ, as he despises the contempt of the proud, so he accepts the praises of the humble. Pharisees would silence the praises of Christ, but they cannot; for as God can out of stones raise up children unto Abraham, and turn the stony heart to himself, so he can bring praise out of the mouths of children. And what will be the feelings of men when the Lord returns in glory to judge the world!
Commentary on Luke 19:41-48
(Read Luke 19:41-48)
Who can behold the holy Jesus, looking forward to the miseries that awaited his murderers, weeping over the city where his precious blood was about to be shed, without seeing that the likeness of God in the believer, consists much in good-will and compassion? Surely those cannot be right who take up any doctrines of truth, so as to be hardened towards their fellow-sinners. But let every one remember, that though Jesus wept over Jerusalem, he executed awful vengeance upon it. Though he delights not in the death of a sinner, yet he will surely bring to pass his awful threatenings on those who neglect his salvation. The Son of God did not weep vain and causeless tears, nor for a light matter, nor for himself. He knows the value of souls, the weight of guilt, and how low it will press and sink mankind. May he then come and cleanse our hearts by his Spirit, from all that defiles. May sinners, on every side, become attentive to the words of truth and salvation.