And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
Jericho.
Joshua 2:1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
Joshua 6:1 Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.
Joshua 6:26 And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.
and was passing through.
This phrase indicates Jesus' movement and mission-focused journey. His passing through Jericho suggests a divine appointment rather than a mere travel route. Jesus often used His travels to teach, heal, and reach those in need, demonstrating His purpose to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). The act of passing through also highlights the transient nature of His earthly ministry, emphasizing the urgency of His message. This journey through Jericho sets the stage for the encounter with Zacchaeus, illustrating Jesus' willingness to reach out to those marginalized by society.
• Marks a real moment in time, linking directly to the healing of the blind man outside Jericho in Luke 18:35-43.
• Shows Jesus’ journey is unfolding exactly as foretold (Luke 18:31-33; Isaiah 50:7).
• Underscores divine timing—everything happens “then,” not a second earlier or later (Galatians 4:4).
• A literal entrance into the historic city first conquered under Joshua (Joshua 6:2-5; Hebrews 11:30), reminding readers that the same Lord who once brought walls down now walks its streets.
• Jericho sat on the primary east-west trade route, so Jesus’ arrival places Him where crowds and outcasts alike would gather (Mark 10:46).
• The city had a reputation for both wealth and spiritual need—perfect ground for the encounter with Zacchaeus that follows (Luke 19:2-10).
• Affirms Christ’s willingness to step into places shaped by past judgment yet ripe for present mercy (1 Kings 16:34; 2 Kings 2:19-22).
• Indicates movement toward Jerusalem and the cross (Luke 9:51; 13:22), highlighting Jesus’ unstoppable mission.
• Suggests no intention to linger, yet He is always ready to pause for a seeking heart—soon illustrated in verses 5-10.
• Emphasizes the urgency of responding when the Savior walks by (Mark 10:32; 2 Corinthians 6:2).
• Shows Jesus’ ministry rhythm: purposeful travel punctuated by Spirit-led interruptions (John 9:1; Acts 10:38).
• “Then” roots the verse in God’s precise timetable.
• “Jesus entered Jericho” confirms a literal visit to a city rich in biblical history and human need.
• “And was passing through” portrays the Messiah on mission, moving steadily toward the cross while still open to divine appointments.
Together, Luke 19:1 reminds us that Christ’s sovereign plan unfolds in real places, real moments, and real lives—inviting anyone, anywhere, to meet Him while He passes by.
XIX.(1) And passed through Jericho.--Better, and was passing through. The narrative that follows is peculiar to this Gospel.
Verses 1-10. - Jesus lodges in the house of Zacchaeus, "the chief among the publicans" at Jericho. This episode, which took place at Jericho just before the Lord's entry into Jerusalem the last time, is peculiar to this Gospel. That the source was Hebrew (Aramaic) is clear from the wording of the narration. Some brief Hebrew (Aramaic) memoir was given to St. Luke, whence he derived his information of this most interesting and instructive incident of the last journey of the Master. Verses 1, 2. - And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. Jericho, under the Herods, had become again an important centre of trade. It lay on the road from Person to Judaea and Egypt, and had, of course, an important custom-house. The Balm which came especially from the Gilead district was sent through there into all parts of the world. Zacchaeus was at the head of this customs department at Jericho. The exact position of such an official in those days is not known. He probably farmed the customs revenue under some great Roman capitalist of the equestrian order. In such an appointment it was easy to commit even involuntary injustices. The temptations to such an official to enrich himself at the expense of others, besides, were sadly numerous. Named Zacchaeus. Zakkai signifies "pure" (see Ezra 2:9; Nehemiah 7:14). It is curious that we find in the Talmud a man named Zakkai, the father of the famous rabbi Jochauan, living at Jericho.