All of Creation (April 19, 2022)

What does it mean that “The rocks will cry out” in Luke 19:40?

In the book of Luke, we have seen foreshadowing of Jesus’ crucifixion, and Jesus even told the disciples that he will rise after three days. There has been parable after parable alluding to what is to come. However, they are still looking for an earthly king, and the Pharisees are looking to lynch this earthly king. Now, the time has finally come, and things are all imminently moving towards Jerusalem.

Jesus asks them to find a young donkey and bring it to him. The followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” (Luke 19: 38)

The Pharisees want Jesus to rebuke his followers for saying this, and Jesus replies, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” (Luke 19: 40 NLT)

What did Jesus mean by this statement? Will the rocks be performing shortly?

Throughout Scripture, there are similar poetic passages that present inanimate objects praising God.

For example, in Psalm 114:6 the mountains leap. In Isaiah 55:12 the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Throughout Psalm 148, there are many examples of created things praising their Creator—the sun, moon, stars, heavens, water, sky, animals, and people.

The Psalms remind us over and over that everyone and everything was created according to God’s good pleasure. We were created to worship him!

On the occasion of the Triumphal entry, Jesus was letting them know in a subtle and not subtle way that the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah was finally here.

I love the song by Mercy Me called “All of Creation”.

Separated

Until the veil was torn

The moment that hope was born

And guilt was pardoned once and for all

Captivated

But no longer bound by chains

Left at an empty grave

The sinner and the sacred resolved

And all of creation sing with me now

Lift up your voice and lay your burden down.

And all of creation sing with me now.

Fill up the heavens and let his glory resound.

Many today would like to silence the praises of the people to the Lord, but make no mistake All of Creation is still singing…