The Single Page- a weekly Bible Study on One Page

By Dennis Lawrence

Luke 19.28-40- 28After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.
29
As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent
two of his disciples, saying to them, 30"Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it,
you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If
anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' tell him, 'The Lord needs it.'" 32Those who
were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33As they were untying the
colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34They replied, "The Lord
needs it." 35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it.
36
As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37When he came near the
place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began
joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38"Blessed is the
king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
39
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"40"I
tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

In this joyous weekend, how ancient disciples responded instructs modern disciples.

1. Read these verses and review the details of this account of the beginning of the
week that ended with Jesus lying dead in a cold stone tomb.
2. Verse 30, 34- What instruction did Jesus give disciples for them to find the
donkey He would ride into Jerusalem? What did He tell the disciples to say to the
owner to explain their taking the donkey?
3. Verse 37- Who was in the crowd as Jesus entered Jerusalem? How did they
respond to Jesus? Whom did they praise? Why?
4. Verse 38- What did they say as they responded? Is this similar to the angels’
message at His birth (compare with Luke 2.14)?
5. Consider the following thoughts, as a modern disciple of Christ, in this beginning
of what is called “Holy Week” in Christian churches. Has Jesus ridden
triumphantly into your life, as He rode into Jerusalem? What has He chosen to use
in your life, as He used the donkey in this account? How have you responded to
His words, “The Lord needs it?” Have you submitted and offered freely for His
use, as the donkey’s owners did? How have you responded to God because of
Jesus’ entry to your life? Could your response be described as “joyful”? Have you
praised God? Loudly? Enthusiastically? Have you tried to protect yourself in
worship, or have you responded openly and extravagantly? As the ancient
disciples worshipped with the angels’ message, do you join the angels in worship
of God as you celebrate Jesus?
6. Verses 39-40- Did some fail to appreciate the disciples’ response? Did they want
the response muted, socially acceptable, and controlled? How did Jesus answer
their concern?
7. Will you listen to the ancient disciples’ example or the concerns for moderation as
you celebrate Jesus and praise God this season and year?
© Dennis Lawrence, 2010 http://montreal.wcgweb.org