The Praise of the Rocks

Text

Luke 19:29–40 KJV 1900

And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? And they said, The Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. 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; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Opening Arguments

How could stones cry out?

Surly the one who opens the mouth of the dumb can cause the stones to have a voice. Consider Balaam’s ass. Consider the voice of all creatures. Consider God’s question to Moses, “Who hath made man’s mouth?” (Ex. 4:11)

Would a stone have something to praise God about?

They could praise him for creating them by the word of his power.

They could praise his wisdom in making them for a purpose.

They could praise him for everything they have seen since creation.

They Could Praise the Breaker

The breaker breaks the rock into the perfect size to be used for a specific purpose.

God’s Word is like a hammer (Jer. 23:29)

He breaks us through humility that we might be fit for his purpose (Ps. 51:17)

He resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (Jam. 4:6)

They Could Praise the Builder

The builder sands, smooths, and polishes the rock so it will be suitable to use for the place he wants it to be.

We are built up as an holy habitation. (Eph. 2:19-22)

We all have our specific place determined by God. (Rom. 12:3-8)

We all have a general responsibility toward each other. (Rom. 12:9-18)

They Could Praise the Covenant Maker

The rock who is raised up for a memorial of a covenant is a testimony of the covenant.

We should be a representation of our Covenant with God. (1 Pet. 3:15)

Our life should be a testimony of that Covenant. (1 Pet. 2:11-12)