January 10, 2023 – Tuesday
Luke 19:41 NIV
41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.
Luke 19:41 NET
41 Now when Jesus approached and saw the city, he wept over it
Comments
The two versions above make it clear it was Jesus who wept, and it was Jerusalem He was weeping over. Before exploring this verse let’s note the other two places where Jesus wept or cried tears. The most obvious is when Jesus returned to Bethany five days after Lazarus had died. He first met with Martha, Lazarus’ sister, where we have this amazing exchange, John 11: 25-27, 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” After this Martha sent Mary out and 32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. 35 Jesus wept. Many believe He wept with Mary sharing her feelings of loss, even though He knew He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead.
But returning to our verse for today, As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it. The question is why? Here the answer that makes the most sense is that He looked upon Jerusalem both as a man and as God. And as God He could clearly see the coming complete and total destruction of Jerusalem that would occur with the rebellion in 70 A.D. At the same time, He could see this and experience as a man who loved the city and its people feeling great loss and grief.
If you would really like to wrap your arms around this, imagine if you will that you could clearly see the end of your family, your loved ones, your closest friends. Some would live long lives and die in peace, some would die living in pain from a disease that riddles their body, others murdered, still others from accidents, other from drug or alcohol abuse. I cannot imagine knowing all that without being racked with tears and grief. Then imagine knowing which ones would ascend into heaven and which ones would end eternally damned, eternally suffering.
That is our Jesus, who freely gave His life for our sins, knowing many would reject His free offer of grace while rejoicing over those who would accept and become His bride. He made the choice possible for everyone. Many today say, “Come Jesus Come!” While others say, “Help us to bring one more into the fold. Lord, one more.” The latter would be me as I came to the Lord in my late 30s and I am so very glad it was not too late.
Bottom Line: Jesus knowing so many would reject His grace, still went to the cross while we were yet sinners for those who would choose to follow Him.
Prayer: Almighty God, Thank You for Your merciful patience waiting for me and so many others to turn to You and the Grace offered through Your Son. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek