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)
Theme: The Local Church
Context
As we have done in prior years, this final week of our journey is dedicated to an inspection of Jesus during the final days of his earthly mission.
Consistent with our theme this year, we will focus on five key lessons for the local church and we will extract these lessons from five things that Jesus was passionate about during Passion Week.
We will start with a lesson found in the Palm Sunday story.
Bible Passage
Our passage today is from Luke 19:4 – 44 (presented above). This narrative is presented directly after the triumphal entry but instead of basking in the adulation of the people, Jesus displays his heart through his tears. He was passionate about people who most people would say deserve the horror coming their way because they did not recognize God’s revelation.
Unfortunately, the kind of compassion displayed by Jesus isn’t always evident in our local churches. Some churches are more prone to criticism than compassion. Some drown out the deep need of people with undue focus on power, prestige, and personalities. Below are partial lyrics from a song that seeks to direct our focus to where Jesus has his focus.
People Need the Lord by Steve Green
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?
By the way, one of our fellow participants (Gordon) does a beautiful rendition of this song.
Please prayerfully read the passage above and answer the question below.
Question
How can you contribute to your local church in its mission to show compassion?
April 11, 2022 at 5:25 am
I could contribute by:
– giving financially to my church to support missions
– volunteering my time with organizations that support the homeless and the needy
– be a listening ear, a shoulder to lean/cry on, a friend, to those who need it
– praying for those in need
-showing compassion as a part of life
April 11, 2022 at 7:03 am
Yes, I agree with Joseth Andres Mccoy. I would do the same thing. I could also help my local church by cooking food amd share it to the community in need. Being sensitive to the needs of the church and its members be it finamcially, emotionally and spiritually. ,
April 11, 2022 at 8:25 pm
I can contribute by not standing in judgement of anyone. Relate to people as people. My mom said to me recently the church does not spend sufficient time teaching Christians how to relate to people living in open rebellion to God. She told me I cannot change people, be compassionate towards those whose choices I do not agree with, God will judge. I think this is what Jesus did here – he did not judge these people. Judgment came from God.