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Luke 19:28

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¶ And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

And {G2532} when he had thus {G5023} spoken {G2036}, he went {G4198} before {G1715}, ascending up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}.

After saying this, Yeshua went on and began the ascent to Yerushalayim.

After Jesus had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

And when he had thus spoken, he went on before, going up to Jerusalem.

Commentary

Luke 19:28 (KJV): "And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem."

Context

This verse immediately follows the Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27), which Jesus told because the disciples thought the kingdom of God would immediately appear. After explaining the responsibilities of His followers and the consequences of faithfulness or unfaithfulness during His absence, Jesus resumes His journey. This marks a significant point in the narrative: Jesus is now making His final ascent towards Jerusalem, the city where His crucifixion and resurrection would take place. Geographically, Jerusalem is situated at a higher elevation than Jericho, where He had likely just been or was near, hence the phrase "ascending up."

Key Themes

  • Determined Purpose: Jesus deliberately "went before," leading the way towards Jerusalem, signifying His unwavering resolve to fulfill His mission, even knowing the suffering that awaited Him there.
  • The Journey to Jerusalem: This journey is central to the Gospels, marking the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry leading to the events of Passion Week.
  • Ascension: While not the final ascension into heaven, the physical act of "ascending up" to Jerusalem reflects the spiritual ascent towards the culmination of God's plan for salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "went before" translates the Greek word proagō (προαγω), which means to lead the way or go ahead. It emphasizes Jesus' active leadership and determination in this journey. The term "ascending up" (anabainō - αναβαινω) is commonly used for travel to Jerusalem due to its high elevation, but in this context, coupled with Jesus' purpose, it carries added weight, signifying a movement towards a critical destination.

Reflection

Luke 19:28 is a short verse but powerful in its implication. It shows Jesus, having just taught His disciples about stewardship and accountability, resolutely setting His face towards Jerusalem. This act underscores His obedience to the Father's will and His determined love for humanity, which propelled Him towards the cross. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of determined purpose in following Christ and facing challenges head-on, knowing that our path is guided by His ultimate destination and plan. Just as Jesus led the way, we are called to follow His example of obedience and resolve, looking towards the ultimate hope of the new heaven and new earth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 9:51 (6 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

  • Hebrews 12:2 (3 votes)

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • Luke 12:50 (3 votes)

    But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

  • Mark 10:32 (3 votes)

    ¶ And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

  • Mark 10:34 (3 votes)

    And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

  • Psalms 40:6 (3 votes)

    ¶ Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.

  • Psalms 40:8 (3 votes)

    I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.