Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem

A mother hen protecting her chick

During David's reign, Jerusalem was the capital of God’s chosen nation. The Babylonians destroyed it. Ezra and Nehemiah rebuilt it, and by Jesus’ day, Jerusalem was again a source of pride for the Jews. And one day, it will again serve as God’s capital city—the center of His earthly kingdom (Please Look Up and Read: Ezra 3:7-13, Nehemiah 2:11-20, & Revelation 21:1-3). 

“As He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it [and the spiritual ignorance of its people], 42 saying, ‘If [only] you had known on this day [of salvation], even you, the things which make for peace [and on which peace depends]! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. 43 For a time [of siege] is coming when your enemies will put up a barricade [with pointed stakes] against you, and surround you [with armies] and hem you in on every side, 44 and they will level you to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you. They will not leave in you one stone on another, all because you did not [come progressively to] recognize [from observation and personal experience] the time of your visitation [when God was gracious toward you and offered you salvation] (AMP).’” Luke 19:41-44

Matthew 23 records a sermon Jesus preached just days before His crucifixion. In it, His words echo Luke 19. I encourage you to pause and reflect on this passage. 

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones all those God sends to her! But you wouldn’t let me. 38 And now your house is left to you, desolate. 39 For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you are ready to welcome the one sent to you from God (TLB).” Matthew 23:37-39

Jesus wept over those who missed knowing Him—His chosen people. He wept over those who would not seek Him, know Him, love Him, and share the Good News.

Mother hen gathering her chicks!

He desires to draw them and us under His protective care as a mother bird does its young, but they rejected Him, rebelled, and chose independence over reliance upon Him, much like many who heard Him and witnessed Him perform miracles. 

And why did they miss Him? Because they sought an earthly king. They did not understand His mission and ministry for all mankind—to save us from sins and to offer us grace and the gift of eternal life. This invitation is real and still available to those seeking Him. If you hear His voice, come under the shelter of His wings! 

"He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield (HCSB)." Psalm 91:4

by: deborah goshorn-stenger 2 Pause and Praise Creations ©