By K. Ray McDowell

 

Luke 19:41 (NKJV)

41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,

 

All four Gospel writers include the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Only Luke however, recorded Jesus’ intense emotional response to His awareness that the people He loved would soon reject Him.

The term Luke used to describe Jesus’ bitter tears indicates that He literally sobbed and perhaps even wailed.

Bill Hybels wrote, “Everyone who lined the streets had a different reason for waving those palms. Some were political activists; they’d heard Jesus had supernatural power, and they wanted him to use it to free Israel from Roman rule. Others had loved ones who were sick or dying. They waved branches, hoping for physical healing. Some were onlookers merely looking for something to do, while others were genuine followers who wished Jesus would establish himself as an earthly king. Jesus was the only one in the parade who knew why he was going to Jerusalem – to die. He had a mission, while everyone else had an agenda.”

Twice the Scriptures tell us that Jesus wept: once as He shared in the grief of Mary and Martha upon the death of their brother, Lazarus, and at this time as He grieved over the spiritual darkness that gripped the people of the Holy City.

Yes, Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses in this life, but He grieves most deeply when we reject what our Father created us to enjoy.

We exist to live in a loving – growing – never ending relationship with Him.

God’s people around the world will be celebrating that “Good News” over the next week.

If you are looking for a place to learn more and or celebrate Him you are welcome to join us at Orange First Church of the Nazarene, 3810 M.L.K. Jr. Drive, Orange Texas. Phone 409.330.5851 for more information.

K. Ray McDowell is the Lead Pastor of First Church of the Nazarene in Orange Texas.