Luke 19:37
As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to focus on the celebratory shouts, but notice Luke highlights the reason for their joy: "for all the mighty works that they had seen." This wasn't just spontaneous excitement; it was a public acknowledgment of God's power actively displayed through Jesus, confirming His identity and mission.
As Jesus descends the Mount of Olives, the city of Jerusalem comes into view for the first time, sparking an explosion of joy from his followers. This multitude, a mix of disciples from Galilee and pilgrims from the city, erupts in praise, recounting all the powerful miracles they've witnessed, especially the recent raising of Lazarus. This joyous acclamation marks the beginning of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a moment brimming with messianic expectation and divine purpose.
Imagine this moment: cresting a hill and seeing a city spread before you for the first time. What emotions surge when that city is Jerusalem, and you're with Jesus?
Luke 19:37 places the disciples at a specific geographical point – the descent of the Mount of Olives. This isn't just any overlook; it's the moment Jerusalem first comes into full view for those approaching from Bethany.
A First Glimpse
Commentators highlight that this spot offered a unique perspective. The slope of the Mount of Olives would initially hide much of the city, then reveal its southeastern corner. It was a dramatic unveiling, a physical manifestation of arriving at the culmination of their journey.
The Spark for Rejoicing
This dramatic first sight of the holy city, combined with all they had witnessed Jesus do, ignited the disciples' praise. It was a moment where the abstract prophecies and miracles coalesced into a tangible reality. The city below, and the King who was entering it, represented the fulfillment of God's promises.
Why did the disciples erupt in joyful praise at this specific moment? It wasn't just the sight of the city, but a deep wellspring of seen 'mighty works.'
The text explicitly states the reason for their rejoicing: 'for all the mighty works that they had seen.' This wasn't a spontaneous, unfocused celebration; it was a response rooted in concrete evidence of God's power through Jesus.
Remembering the Miracles
Scholars suggest these 'mighty works' would have included recent events like the healing of the blind man near Jericho (Luke 18:35-43) and, most significantly, the raising of Lazarus (John 11). These were not small feats; they were undeniable demonstrations of Jesus' divine authority.
Faith Solidified
For the disciples, these miracles were more than just astounding events. They were tangible proof that Jesus was who He claimed to be – the Messiah. Seeing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, and remembering these powerful works, fused their hope and understanding into overwhelming praise.
Understand the original words
chairō · Greek Verb
A state of great joy, gladness, or exultation, often expressed publicly. In a religious context, it is a response to the perceived presence or favor of God.
aineō · Greek Verb
To express worship, honor, or thanksgiving to God, often acknowledging His sovereignty, character, or mighty acts.
dynamis · Greek Noun
Extraordinary acts or wonders performed by God or by His power, demonstrating His divine authority and intervention in human history.
The disciples' joyous praise at this moment on the Mount of Olives was fueled not just by Jesus' current actions, but by the cumulative evidence of his mighty works, especially the recent, dramatic raising of Lazarus, solidifying their belief that he was the long-awaited Messiah.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus began his final journey towards Jerusalem for Passover, drawing large crowds eager to see him.
c. AD 30
Raising of Lazarus
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in Bethany, an event that generated significant excitement and testimony about Jesus' power.
c. AD 30
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by crowds shouting praises, fulfilling prophecy and signaling his public claim as King.
c. AD 30
Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
As Jesus entered the city, he saw its impending destruction and wept, foretelling its future judgment.
c. AD 30
This passage describes the crowd's excitement specifically because of the recent raising of Lazarus, directly linking the disciples' praise in Luke 19:37 to a powerful, visible 'mighty work.'
Matthew 21:8-11This parallel account includes the specific shouts of 'Hosanna,' showing the messianic expectation of the crowd and connecting their praise to the fulfillment of prophecy for the 'Son of David.'
Psalm 118:25-26This Old Testament psalm, from which the shouts of 'Hosanna' are drawn, provides the liturgical and prophetic background for the disciples' joyous praise, revealing it as an ancient expression of messianic hope.
Luke 18:35-43This immediate preceding account of Jesus healing the blind man near Jericho highlights a 'mighty work' that likely fueled the disciples' exultation and reinforced their belief in Jesus' identity as they approached Jerusalem.
vincentLuke 19:37: "And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;"
The descentTwo distinct sights of Jerusalem are caught on this route, an inequality of ground hiding it for a time after one has first seen it. Luke 19:37 marks the first sight, Luke 19:41 the second and nearer view (see Introduction, on Luke's topographical accuracy). "A t thi…
pulpitLuke 19:37: "And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;"
Verse 37. - At the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen. At this point on the Bethany road the city of Jerusalem comes into view. Here a crowd of pilgri…
It's easy to focus on the celebratory shouts, but notice Luke highlights the reason for their joy: "for all the mighty works that they had seen." This wasn't just spontaneous excitement; it was a public acknowledgment of God's power actively displayed through Jesus, confirming His identity and mission.
As Jesus descends the Mount of Olives, the city of Jerusalem comes into view for the first time, sparking an explosion of joy from his followers. This multitude, a mix of disciples from Galilee and pilgrims from the city, erupts in praise, recounting all the powerful miracles they've witnessed, especially the recent raising of Lazarus. This joyous acclamation marks the beginning of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a moment brimming with messianic expectation and divine purpose.
As Jesus descends the Mount of Olives, the city of Jerusalem comes into view for the first time, sparking an explosion of joy from his followers. This multitude, a mix of disciples from Galilee and pilgrims from the city, erupts in praise, recounting all the powerful miracles they've witnessed, especially the recent raising of Lazarus. This joyous acclamation marks the beginning of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a moment brimming with messianic expectation and divine purpose.
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It wasn't just a few disciples; 'the whole multitude' joined in. What does this unified, loud praise tell us about the impact of Jesus' ministry?
Luke 19:37 emphasizes the collective nature of this celebration: 'the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice.' This wasn't a quiet, private moment of reflection for a select few.
The Breadth of Jesus' Following
This 'multitude' likely included not only the twelve apostles but also a larger group of followers who had been with Jesus on His journey. They were a diverse crowd, yet united in their response to Him.
A Public Declaration
The 'loud voice' signifies an unrestrained, public declaration of joy and faith. It was an acclamation that proclaimed their belief in Jesus as the one who performed mighty works, hinting at their Messianic expectations. Even though Luke omits the specific 'Hosanna' cry found in other Gospels (perhaps for his Gentile audience), the essence of exuberant praise for God's work through Jesus is powerfully conveyed.
Cleansing of the Temple
Jesus entered the Temple and drove out those buying and selling, asserting his authority and challenging the religious establishment.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Teachings and Confrontations
In the days leading up to Passover, Jesus taught in the Temple, debated with religious leaders, and spoke about the end times.
c. AD 30
The Last Supper and Betrayal
Jesus shared a final meal with his disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper, and then was betrayed by Judas.
"As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen," — It's easy to focus on the celebratory shouts, but notice Luke highlights the reason for their joy: "for all the mighty works that they had seen." This wasn't just spontaneous excitement; it was a p…
