As Jesus heads toward the cross, His words become more troubling. People look at Him suspiciously. They already wonder if He is one of the ancient prophets reborn; now, He more or less confirms it in their minds. He speaks like the prophets of old.
Jesus watches and weeps over the people of Israel, as Jeremiah did. He proclaims words of judgment and woe, following in the footsteps of Zephaniah, Malachi, and Ezekiel. And He declares that the day of the Lord—the day of judgment and salvation—is at hand.
37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:37–39)
41 And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:41–44)
Imagine hearing Jesus’ words. You have been longing for God to send the Messiah. But Jesus speaks words of destruction and devastation. How would you react to Jesus’ words?
Jesus weeps because God’s people refuse to pay attention to His messengers (Jeremiah 6:17; Matthew 21:33–41). Jesus weeps because justice, mercy, and truth are absent (Micah 6:6–8). Jesus weeps because the people refuse to walk on God’s ancient path, the good way that brings rest to the soul. And Jesus weeps because the people are so lost in the dark that they cannot recognize the Light has dawned on them.
But Jesus is not dismayed, discouraged, or dissuaded from continuing toward the cross. He doesn’t turn away from the people simply because they can’t see what’s right before their eyes. Jesus shines in the darkness. He walks the ancient path, choosing to do things God’s way despite what it will cost Him and His Father.
And He invites people to do the same. Judgment may be coming for those who turn away and reject God’s path to salvation. But for those who choose it? They run to it and are safe. They are at peace, for they have found the One who is their Peace.
Lord Jesus, nearly every day reminds me this world is not my home. There is no peace. How could there be when fear and anger surge in my heart? Teach me to follow You and to walk in the ancient path. Help me to bring more of Your kingdom to this earth. Amen.
