Luke 19:32
And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπελθόντες
went their way
G565
ἀπελθόντες
went their way
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
1 of 8
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπεσταλμένοι
they that were sent
G649
ἀπεσταλμένοι
they that were sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
4 of 8
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
Historical Context
Written for a Greek audience (Theophilus), Luke repeatedly emphasizes the reliability of his historical investigation (1:1-4). The precise fulfillment of Jesus's prediction would resonate with ancient readers familiar with tests of prophetic authenticity. False prophets abounded; true prophets were validated by the fulfillment of their words.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the exact fulfillment of Jesus's prediction strengthen your faith in His other promises?
- What 'odd instructions' might God be giving you that require faith to obey before seeing the outcome?
- How does this episode demonstrate that Jesus orchestrates even mundane details for His purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them (ἀπελθόντες...εὗρον καθὼς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, apelthontes...heuron kathōs eipen autois). Luke emphasizes the exact fulfillment with even as (καθώς, kathōs)—not approximately, but precisely as prophesied. This demonstrates Jesus's supernatural knowledge and sovereign orchestration of events. The disciples' obedience to seemingly odd instructions parallels Abraham's faith when commanded to sacrifice Isaac.
This small detail serves Luke's larger narrative purpose: establishing Jesus as the prophet-like-Moses who speaks God's word with perfect accuracy (Deuteronomy 18:18-22). When God's word is tested, reality conforms to it. The disciples are learning what they would later proclaim—that Jesus is Lord of history, arranging circumstances down to the location of a borrowed colt.