Jesus, why those tears?

Tuesday   10-06-15  Segovia, Spain

Scripture reading:    Esther 9-10      Luke 19

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Luke 19:41-44  But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry.** "I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you.  Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you.  They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you." NLT

O.  Jesus was riding high.  The multitude was acclaiming Him and King!  To His disciples all signals were “go”.  This is it!  This is “His hour” that He has talked about so often.  “Jesus, what are those tears pouring down Your cheeks?  This is Your best hour!  Look even the little children are singing to You.”  Then through His tears He reveals the city’s coming destruction... for He knows that this praise echoing on the narrow streets of Jerusalem will soon be drowned out by another crowd screaming “Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!” 

A.  Yes, Jesus had many followers, but those in political power were not among them.  It is a story that has been played out many times since then throughout history.  And when the politically powerful finally acknowledged Him... they then used His name to dominate and crush their subjects.  Oh!  But He is King!  He is my King!  His kingdom has no borders of rivers, mountains or seas.  He reigns wherever a heart has surrendered to Him. 

P.  Thank you, Jesus, for Your tears.  Your compassionate heart shows through even as hundreds acclaim You their King.  You will soon suffer greatly, but You do not weep for Yourself.  You weep for the city... for these shouting people who are Your friends for they will not understand.  You weep for Your enemies who will torture and kill You... for they have misunderstood Your purposes.  Your tears and Your shed blood have purchased my eternal salvation.  Someday I will join a great crowd singing, “The King is Coming!  The King is Coming!”  Amen.

Ralph

** Most translations clearly show Jesus weeping here.