Jesus Weeps for Jerusalem

Jesus Calls Us Experiencing the Resurrection The Empty Tomb Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Luke 19:41-48 The Voice 41 When Jerusalem came into view, He looked intently at the city and began to weep. Jesus: 42 How I wish you knew today what would bring peace! But you can't see. 43 Days will come when your enemies will build up a siege ramp, and you will be surrounded and contained on every side.[a] 44 Your enemies will smash you into rubble and not leave one stone standing on another, and they will cut your children down too, because you did not recognize the day when God's Anointed One visited you. 45 He entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. He began driving out the temple merchants. Jesus: 46 The Hebrew Scriptures say, "My house shall be a house of prayer," [b] but you have turned it into a shelter for thieves.[c] 47 He came back day after day to teach in the temple. The chief priests, the religious scholars, and the leading men of the city wanted to kill Him, 48 but because He was so popular among the people—who hung upon each word He spoke—they were unable to do anything. For Reflection "In this powerful scene, as Jesus comes into the city, echoing the words of Zechariah 9:9, Jesus shows how His kingdom is upside down compared to the kingdoms of this world. Caesar enters a town riding a white stallion, accompanied by dignitaries and soldiers with weapons. Jesus comes on a little donkey, cheered by common people tossing their coats in the donkey's path. The contrast between the two ways, He suggests through tears, is the difference between violent destruction and peace."* The world's churches are losing significant numbers of members. War and government injustices are causing great damage and severe physical and emotional pain. We should be weeping. *Commentary embedded in The Voice  Pray Pray for all people experiencing tragedy and loss under powerful and violent regimes. Ask God to help autocratic leaders understand their actions' harm and extend compassion to those they rule. Forward to a friend Sign up for our mailing list!