41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” (Luke 19:41-44)
The 40 Days of Discipline journey is partially driven by a realization that we live in a microwave age where many expect quick favorable outcomes without much sacrifice. While our salvation is absolutely free and requires no work on our part, spiritual growth requires discipline. Thank you for staying with us on this journey to make the Disciplines a part of our daily lives. We now consider the special week of Christ’s Passion (or suffering).
Throughout our journey this year we have observed how Jesus serves as the perfect example in living the Disciplines. During this final week we will continue to focus on Jesus. In doing so, we will observe how Jesus related to five audiences: 1) His countrymen, 2) the religious establishment, 3) His disciples, 4) His father, and 5) the world. We will refer to the Disciplines where relevant, but our primary focus will be on Jesus and his amazing sacrifice for us.
Today we examine how Jesus related to his countrymen. Directly after Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a powerful and touching story is told in the passage above. Please read the passage and answer the questions below.
Today’s Questions:
- Despite having experienced shouts of hosanna, Jesus knew that His own people had rejected him. What does the passage tell you about the heart of Jesus?
- What can you apply in your acts of service from your observation of Jesus?
March 21, 2016 at 8:08 am
Jesus wept in the midst of triumph while there were shouts of hosanna, wept when all around him people were rejoicing, this shows how little he was elevated by the applause and praises of the people. Jesus wept not for what was ahead for him, but for the city of Jerusalem. He knew it was going to be ruined and it would only be their fault, and this broke his heart.
What we see being displayed in life today, the violence, crime, ruthlessness in politics, hate, total disregard for life and humanity, can leave us overwhelmed, numb, cold, wanting to be avengers of the law.
How often are our hearts so broken that we literally cry tears for others, our nation. How much time do I spend in prayer for the lost, broken, and destructive lives, as I look out over ” our Jerusalem” and see the destruction that’s happening and cry “if only you’d know”.
Jesus knew His time was coming but he didn’t cry for himself. Sometimes it’s too much about “US”!
March 21, 2016 at 10:13 am
Jesus is not easily swayed by praise – he knows only too well that the world will love you today and reject you tomorrow. For Christians, we can accept this as an ordinary fact of life and learn to treat victory and defeat just the same, in this way we are content whatever the circumstances. It also tells you Jesus has a compassionate and tender heart, devoid of bitterness – even towards those who are sure to betray him. He is modeling the Bible’s admonition to ‘love your enemies, bless them that curse and spitefully use you, do good to those that hate you …(see Matthew 5:44).
The application for Christians is to go beyond ourselves – live selflessly – regarding others above ourselves – for this is the key to successful living – for this we were created – according to the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
March 21, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Jesus was not angry by this rejection, but was filled with sadness and concern. We can see from Jesus’ actions that our pride and need for commendation have no place in acts of service.
March 22, 2016 at 3:54 am
I am struck by the singular focus of Jesus’ amazing heart of compassion. Despite praises of the crowds on one hand, and awareness of His imminent suffering and crucifixion on the other, His heart weeps, and uniquely so, for the suffering of those He loves, those He came to, and this in spite of their rejection of Him. Untouched by either glory or concern for self, He truly demonstrates love, and indeed, teaches what love really is.
Lord help me to learn from my Master, to be so singular in my focus, so compassionate in my calling, be it on the mountain-tops or in the valleys.