Luke 19:29 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,

NIV: As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,

NASB: When He approached Bethphage and Bethany, near the mountain that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples,

CSB: As he approached Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples

NLT: As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead.

KJV: And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

NKJV: And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples,

Jesus is traveling west from Jericho to Jerusalem (Luke 18:35). Bethany and Bethphage are between the two cities on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, also called "Olivet," which is directly east of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. From this point on, Jesus camps on the Mount of Olives and finds rest in Bethany.

Neither Mark nor Luke indicate which town is "in front" of the disciples, but Matthew 21:1 only mentions Bethphage. Jesus sends two disciples there to find a donkey colt to carry Him to Jerusalem, fulfilling the image of Zechariah 9:9.

Bethany is the name of several vaguely identified towns to the east and south of Jerusalem. The Bethany Jesus frequents during Passion Week is almost two miles east of Jerusalem. Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus live there. Possibly the night before, Mary anointed Jesus in their home (John 12:1–8). Right before the crucifixion, either Mary or some other woman will anoint Jesus at the home of Simon the Leper in Bethany (Mark 14:3–9). And it is near Bethany that Jesus ascends after the resurrection (Luke 24:50–51).

"Bethphage" means "house of early figs" in Aramaic. Accounts vary as to its location, but it was probably closer to Jerusalem than Bethany, a little over half a mile west of the peak of the Mount of Olives.

Luke 19:28–40 is the account of the triumphal entry when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem for His final Passover. Jesus presents Himself as the King of the Jews, challenging His followers, the religious leaders, and the many celebrants to choose whether to accept or reject Him. The triumphal entry is the first passage in the so-called "presentation of Jesus in Jerusalem" (Luke 19:28—21:38) where Jesus declares His authority (Luke 19:28—21:4) and reveals the future (Luke 21:5–38). The triumphal entry is one of the few events recorded in every Gospel (Matthew 21:1–11; Mark 11:1–11; John 12:12–15).

Jesus approaches Jerusalem by way of Jericho. Along the road, he encounters Zacchaeus: an unusually short man and infamous tax collector. Zacchaeus responds to Jesus' invitation and demonstrates humility and repentance. Jesus gives a parable explaining a believer's obligation to encourage the spread of the gospel. Jesus enters Jerusalem to great fanfare, upsetting local Pharisees. As He rides, Jesus weeps to think of the future destruction in store for the city. He once again drives corrupt businessmen from the temple grounds. His enemies are furious, but too afraid of the adoring crowds to take direct action.

Luke 19 finishes the "travelogue of Christ to Jerusalem" and introduces His first actions there (Luke 9:51—19:27). This long passage semi-chronologically records Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and the theological reasons why He must go to the cross. It finishes here, in this chapter, with Jesus meeting Zacchaeus and the parable of the ten minas. The chapter continues with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as its king—the triumphal entry. Jesus mourns over Jerusalem, its rejection of their Messiah, and its coming destruction in AD 70. He also cleanses the temple and teaches there. In the next segments, Luke covers the last hours of Jesus' earthly life (Luke 22—23) as well as Jesus' resurrection (Luke 24).

Luke was a traveling companion of Paul (Acts 16:10) and a physician (Colossians 4:14). Unlike Matthew, Mark, and John, Luke writes his gospel as an historian, rather than as a first-hand eyewitness. His extensive writings also include the book of Acts (Acts 1:1–3). These are deliberately organized, carefully researched accounts of those events. The gospel of Luke focuses on the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Luke's Gentile perspective presents Christ as a Savior for all people, offering both forgiveness and direction to those who follow Him.