Luke 19:28-44
The Pharisees have long had problems with Jesus, but their complaint in verse 39 is too much: And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” The crowd is not in the Temple region or in a closed environment; they are gathered out in the open air, on a well-traveled road, part of a procession heading toward Jerusalem. How could the Pharisees have a problem with that, except for the jealousy they must have felt at Jesus receiving all this honor? So sad…
I think it’s helpful to see Holy Week locations on a map to get a better picture of Jesus’ travels. Imbedded below is a very good map that highlights the Temple, including the road that leads up to the East Gate, a common entry point for people coming from the east. You can see the Kidron Valley to the east, separating Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. Gethsemane is at the tee where the road splits, the south road leading to Bethpage and Bethany. It is likely this road that Jesus traveled on Palm Sunday as He headed toward the temple. He would also be traveling this road each evening of Holy Week, most probably staying in Bethany with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus – roughly a two-mile journey from the Temple. The map is drawn in a light relief fashion, giving some idea of the topography that Jesus would have traveled during Holy Week. The traditional location for Golgotha is also shown, just off the road leading west of the city. Other locations on the map that are also named in the Gospels include the Pool of Siloam, the Pool of Bethsaida, Solomon’s Porch, and the Pinnacle of the Temple.
Blessings!
See also: August 29 / Luke 19:28-44
Thanks for the map, Fred. It really gives a picture of the space and heights. Jesus picked the place (Jerusalem, his beloved city), the time (festival of Passover when all would be there), and the sign (riding on a donkey as prophesied). He may not have known all the details of the future, but he certainly saw what would happen to him and to Jerusalem. I hadn’t put together the two times it is reported that he cried, for his best friend Lazarus and for Jerusalem. Aren’t we blessed that we have a God who is all powerful and mighty, yet is humble, merciful, loving, and could cry like us. Takes my breath away!