Luke 19:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The donkey, previously tied and having had many masters, is released by those sent, the "apostles." This action conveys a meaningful message: Bethany translates to "house of obedience," while Bethphage means "house of jaws," a place associated with priests who were entrusted with teaching, as outlined in the Law (Deuteronomy 18:3). The ‘jaws’ symbolize the instructive word that sharpens and refines understanding. Thus, where there exists a place devoted to this teaching and adherence to it, the Lord's disciples are sent forth to liberate individuals ensnared by sinful entanglements and worldly concerns, transforming them from servitude to various masters and deities into devoted worshippers of one Lord Jesus and one God the Father. Conversely, in the absence of a house of obedience where the teacher's word is welcomed, this transformation does not occur, and the donkey remains untied. The sending of ‘two’ signifies that both prophets and apostles play essential roles in guiding the Gentiles toward Christ and instructing them to follow Him. They retrieve a donkey from a certain 'village,' indicating that the Gentile people embody simplicity and a lack of understanding, as they have not been schooled in either Mosaic or prophetic teachings, representing the unlearned beast of burden. Yet, as another evangelist recounts (Matthew 21:15), the children proclaiming, "Hosanna to the Son of David," may also symbolize this new people who, believing in Jesus, the descendant of David, are offering praise to God, fulfilling the prophecy, "The generation to come shall praise the Lord" (Psalm 101:19).

He could have approached Jerusalem quietly, alone or with His disciples, or even avoided the city altogether under such dangerous conditions. Yet, He felt it was essential, and it cannot simply be said that He opportunistically acted upon fortunate circumstances; rather, it was a continuation of His previous actions. A similar moment had occurred in Jericho. He further demonstrated the purpose behind this act by sending two disciples ahead of Him to the village of Bethphage, instructing them to procure a donkey and its colt for His descent from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. The disciples spread their cloaks on these animals, and Jesus mounted the young donkey, one that had never been ridden. This act fulfilled the prophecy, illustrating the entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem and symbolizing the arrival of a peaceful king who deliberately chose this gentle beast rather than a horse of war (Zechariah 9:9-10). In this manner, He became visible to all, further igniting the excitement among the people.

Rather than entering the capital of the Jewish kingdom in a majestic chariot pulled by horses, Jesus chose to ride on a young donkey, adorned with the humble attire of His impoverished followers rather than fine robes. This act was a fulfillment of the prophet’s words, as noted by the Evangelists Matthew and John, who proclaimed, "Say to the daughter of Zion, 'Behold, your King is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'"

During significant festivals, throngs of worshipers would customarily approach the holy city in a grand manner, expressing their joy in various ways. Jesus, being recognized as a prophet and revered teacher, sought to make a significant entrance and chose to do so at this moment, revealing His glory one last time. While He had typically entered Jerusalem on foot, He now desired to replicate the noble arrival of His forefather David by riding on a donkey. This humble and useful creature was held in high regard in the East, and the Jews cherished many historical associations with it, making it more esteemed and beloved than the majestic horses imported from Egypt. The significance of the donkey was further elevated in their eyes due to the prophet’s declaration that the Messiah-King would arrive in Jerusalem riding on one (Zechariah 9:9). Thus, the Savior's entrance into the holy city served as a powerful and definitive affirmation of His Messiahship.

Early in the morning on the ninth of Nisan, Jesus departed from His tranquil and welcoming abode in Bethany and, adhering to tradition, made His way to Jerusalem with His disciples. As they descended into a small valley lined with fig and olive trees, they approached the village of Bethphage, which was so near Jerusalem that, according to rabbinical law, it was considered part of the city. During this time, some of Christ's secret disciples and supporters lived in various locations, and He instructed two of His disciples to go to one of these individuals in Bethphage to retrieve a donkey for His royal entrance into Jerusalem. The disciples obeyed His instructions precisely, returning with both a donkey and her foal.

The people joyfully praised God, focusing their adoration particularly on the 'miracles' they had witnessed, especially the recent, remarkable acts, such as the healing of the blind man in Jericho and the resurrection of Lazarus (see John 12:17-18). The phrase 'Peace in heaven' signifies a triumphant joy rather than the conventional understanding of peace as quiet and calm, for perfect peace already exists in heaven.