Luke 19:30

Saying, Go ye into the village over against [you]; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring [him hither].

Saying {G2036}, Go ye {G5217} into {G1519} the village {G2968} over against {G2713} you; in {G1722} the which {G3739} at your entering {G1531} ye shall find {G2147} a colt {G4454} tied {G1210}, whereon {G1909}{G3739} yet never {G3762} man {G444} sat {G2523}{G4455}: loose {G3089} him {G846}, and bring {G71} him hither.

instructing them, “Go into the village ahead; on entering it, you will find a colt tied up that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here.

saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here.

saying, Go your way into the village over against you; in which as ye enter ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat: loose him, and bring him.

Commentary

Luke 19:30 provides a fascinating glimpse into Jesus' divine foreknowledge and meticulous planning as He prepared for His pivotal entry into Jerusalem. This verse is part of the narrative often referred to as the Triumphal Entry, which precedes His crucifixion.

Context

As Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem from Jericho, He sent two disciples ahead with very specific instructions. This particular command, to find a colt tied in a nearby village, demonstrates Jesus' absolute control over circumstances and His detailed awareness of events. It sets the stage for the dramatic fulfillment of ancient prophecies regarding the Messiah's arrival in Jerusalem, an event often commemorated as Palm Sunday.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty: Jesus' instructions are remarkably precise, detailing not only the location but also the condition of the colt ("whereon yet never man sat"). This highlights His omniscience and divine authority, demonstrating that He is fully aware of all things and orchestrating events according to His will.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The request for a colt, specifically one that had never been ridden, directly aligns with the prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which speaks of Zion's king coming "lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." This detail underscores Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah.
  • Obedience to Christ's Command: The disciples' immediate and unquestioning obedience to what might have seemed like an unusual request serves as an example of faith and trust in Jesus' directives.
  • Humility of the Messiah: Choosing to enter Jerusalem on a humble colt rather than a warhorse symbolizes the peaceful, humble nature of His kingdom, contrasting with the worldly expectations of a conquering king.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "whereon yet never man sat" (Greek: eph' hon oudepōpote anthrōpōn ekathisen) is significant. In ancient cultures, an animal that had never been ridden or used for labor was often considered pure or consecrated, making it suitable for sacred purposes or for a king's use. This detail emphasizes the special, set-apart nature of the animal chosen for Jesus' entry, further reinforcing His divine status and the holiness of the event. The Greek word for "colt," polos, refers to a young animal, often a donkey's foal, which fits the prophetic context.

Practical Application

Luke 19:30 reminds us that God is sovereign over every detail of our lives and the world. Just as Jesus knew the exact location and condition of the colt, He knows our circumstances and has a perfect plan. This verse encourages us to:

  • Trust God's Plan: Even when His instructions seem unusual or the path unclear, we can trust in His divine foreknowledge and perfect timing.
  • Practice Obedience: The disciples' readiness to obey, even without fully understanding, highlights the importance of responding faithfully to God's leading.
  • Recognize God's Use of the Ordinary: God often uses simple, humble means and ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, just as He used an unridden colt for a momentous occasion.

This passage sets the stage for understanding the profound significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, not as a political conqueror, but as the King of peace and the fulfillment of prophecy.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 22:8 (5 votes)

    And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

  • Luke 22:13 (5 votes)

    And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

  • John 14:29 (3 votes)

    And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

  • Luke 19:32 (2 votes)

    And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.

  • 1 Samuel 10:2 (2 votes)

    When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

  • 1 Samuel 10:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it was [so], that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.