This is Luke’s account of the Triumphal Entry: Spot the differences!
As He came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, He sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” He told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.'”
So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”
And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.”
So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for Him to ride on. As He rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of Him. When He reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.
Luke 19:29-37
In the first section Luke follows Mark’s longer account rather than Matthew. It can be safely assumed that he knows both. He told us at the beginning of his gospel that he has taken the time to investigate thoroughly and give us a complete account. I.e. he has harmonised it with the other accounts available. John’s was not available at the time Luke did his work.
“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke Your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!” But as He came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, He began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.“
Luke 19:38-44
I have coloured Luke’s insertions for you. I am sure you realise by now the changes each writer makes are the distinctives they want to communicate to us. Where they have departed from the standard story is where their emphasis lies. What is Luke’s point? Take time to think about them before we move on. As you do that you will greatly improve your ability to rightly discern the Word of Truth and you will learn to use the Bible to interpret the Bible, a powerful thing to do.
It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular, it is why he does it.
A W Tozer
After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as an historian until I realized there was no future in it.