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)
This week, known by some as Passion Week or Holy Week is a special week in the Christian calendar. The introductory notes to 40 Days of Discipline emphasizes the fact that the Disciplines hold no intrinsic value in and of themselves. They are valuable tools only to the extent that they keep Jesus at the center and help us to improve our love for God and others. So, as we participate in this closing week, our attention will be more explicitly focused on Jesus. Throughout this year’s journey our theme has been “Overcoming Challenges”. We assessed ourselves via a survey in the first week; examined the David & Goliath story as a model for facing challenges in the second week; and recently we have been exploring answers to challenges using “Dear Libby” letters. Well, we have saved the best for last! Over these final six days we will focus on the ultimate answer to overcoming our challenges – Jesus. We will do this by examining some of the key qualities of Jesus exhibited around the time of his death and resurrection.
Today, we start by examining events that occurred directly after Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As many of us will have celebrated Palm Sunday yesterday, this is a great place to start. Pleas read the passage above and pay close attention to the portrayal of the emotions Jesus displayed. From the tears of Jesus, we can draw only one conclusion, He cares for people facing challenges. This of course is not the only example of how much Jesus cared for people facing challenges. His compassion is on display in many other circumstances including in Matthew 9:36 where we read, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Please answer the question below.
Today’s Questions:
The image of Jesus weeping puts an exclamation mark behind the statement that He cares! What assurance do you take from this quality of Jesus as you consider challenges you or your loved ones face?
Note: If you have the time, research and consider other circumstances when Jesus’ compassion was on display in addition to the two passages provided above.
April 10, 2017 at 12:24 pm
I searched the word “compassion” in my Bible app and found that it was mentioned a lot about Jesus! I’m sure another search with a similar word would yield the same amount of results. The point being, Jesus was compassionate and caring in many diverse situations. It comforts me to know that, when met with any challenge, the Lord prioritizes compassion over judgment. He will not forsake me in time of need, because He has proven that He cares all the time.
April 10, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Matthew 20: 29-34 and Mark 6: 30-44 are examples of Christ showing compassion to people he met. He restored sight to two blind men and fed the multitude who had gathered to listen to Him. Another passage that stands out to me is John 4:1-42 where He speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well. In these and other examples, Jesus cared about the physical and spiritual needs of those around Him and ensured that these needs were met.
It is comforting that Jesus, the Son of God, cares about what happens to me. He knows and understands ALL my needs and He has promised that He will never leave or forsake me.
April 10, 2017 at 2:26 pm
Hebrews 4:15 tells us For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; and we see this demonstrated not only in John 11 when Lazarus died, and the Lord was so thouched that “He wept”. I’m no less loved than Lazarus. However there are times like with my earthly husband whom I know loves and cares for me, that I need that reminder especially when things aren’t going the way I think they should and I’m not readily seeing what I expect from them who love me. My expectations of how they act has no bearing on their love and care for me, and ultimately I know this and it brings comfort.
April 10, 2017 at 10:35 pm
One of the strongest displays of Jesus’ compassion is His conversation on the cross. Christ was about to die yet He was bringing assurance and compassion to the thief through salvation.
Lord, there are times I don’t feel that You are aware and sensitive towards my circumstances but I know You care. Thanks Lord for securing my salvation.