Luke 19:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This signifies that Bethany translates to ‘house of obedience,’ while Bethphage means ‘house of jaws,’ a place designated for priests. The priests were given the ‘jaws’ required, as outlined in the Law (Deuteronomy 18:3).

Jaws referring to the teaching word that refines and sharpens the mental faculties. Therefore, where the house of the pedagogue’s word and allegiance to that word exist, there the Lord’s disciples are dispatched to free individuals ensnared by sinful distractions and worldly concerns, transforming them from enslaved followers of many masters into devoted worshippers of one Lord, Jesus, and one God, the Father. Conversely, if there is no house of obedience and the teacher’s word goes unheeded, then nothing of this nature occurs, and the donkey remains tied. Two are sent, indicating that two orders — prophets and apostles — exist to guide the Gentiles towards Christ and to foster their obedience to Him. They retrieve a donkey from a particular ‘village,’ highlighting the notion that the Gentile people were characterized by great simplicity and ignorance. For they had neither adhered to Mosaic law nor prophetic teachings, remaining uninstructed. Yet if, as another gospel records (Matt. 21:15), the children also exclaimed, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David,’ they may represent this new populace who, believing in Jesus of David’s lineage, were exalting God, in accordance with the scripture, ‘The generation to come shall praise the Lord’ (Ps. 101:19).

However, if the Lord had wished to avoid such a grand entry, He could have easily done so—entering Jerusalem quietly, either alone or with just His disciples, or even abstaining from going to Jerusalem altogether under the current risky conditions. Yet, He deemed this entrance necessary; it is not accurate to say He merely exploited these circumstances as if by chance. Rather, it was a natural progression from His previous actions. A similar event occurred in Jericho. He further demonstrated the intent behind His actions when, despite Bethany's proximity to Jerusalem, He instructed two disciples to move ahead to Bethphage, at the foot of the Mount of Olives, to arrange for a donkey and its colt. The disciples spread their garments upon them, and Jesus mounted a young donkey that had never been ridden. This was clearly in fulfillment of prophecy, symbolizing the arrival of the Messiah into Jerusalem and depicting Him as a gentle and peaceful king, consciously selecting this animal to convey a message of peace rather than conflict (Zechariah 9:9-10). Positioned in this way, He became visible to all, further igniting the people's excitement.

Rather than arriving in the capital of Judah in a regal chariot pulled by horses, Jesus chose to make His entrance on a young donkey, adorned with the simple garments of His humble disciples rather than luxurious attire. This act fulfilled the prophecy as noted by the Evangelists Matthew and John, who stated, “Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming gently to you, riding on a donkey and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'”

During significant feasts, throngs of worshipers customarily entered the holy city with elaborate expressions of joy. Christ, recognized widely as a prophet and esteemed teacher, intended to make a notable entrance and seized this moment to reveal His glory one last time. While He had typically entered Jerusalem on foot, He chose this occasion to ride in as His ancestor David had on multiple occasions—on a donkey. This humble yet revered animal was greatly valued in the East, deeply associated with numerous historical memories that rendered it more cherished in Jewish hearts than the stately horses imported from Egypt. The significance of the donkey was amplified by the prophet's prophecy that the Messiah-King would approach Jerusalem in this manner. Thus, the Savior's entry into the holy city served as a powerful and unmistakable proclamation of His Messiahship.

At daybreak on the ninth of Nisan, the Savior departed from His welcoming abode in Bethany, traveling on foot to Jerusalem with His disciples, as was customary. As they descended into a small valley adorned with fig and olive trees, they neared the village of Bethphage, which, like Bethany, was so close to Jerusalem that it was regarded as part of it according to rabbinical laws. During this time, the secret followers and disciples of Christ resided in various locations; thus, He sent two of His disciples to retrieve a donkey from one of these followers in Bethphage for the significant entry into Jerusalem. The disciples faithfully carried out His instructions, returning with a donkey and a colt.

They joyfully glorified God, especially highlighting the miracles they had observed, with particular emphasis on recent wonders such as the healing of the blind man from Jericho and the resurrection of Lazarus (cf. Jn. 12:17-18). The phrase “Peace in heaven” indicates that the term peace here should not be interpreted in its conventional sense of tranquility, which always exists in heaven, but rather as a representation of victory, joy, or exultation.