Tears of a Savior

When He approached Jerusalem,

He saw the city and wept over it,

[Lk 19:41 NASB]

It was not the view that caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem.

Perhaps sentimentality? Knowing this was nearing the last time He would enter this city?

Perhaps grieving over the imminent events at hand? Knowing the end of His earthly days were at a close? He knew what it would take to redeem mankind and that some would still refuse to believe.

Perhaps its condition? He knew the state of the hearts of its citizens. He knew their religion had become perverted. The heart of Judaism was in spiritual poverty.

Don't you sometimes mourn over the state of our country? How much more God? How much more over His own homeland that housed the very dwelling place of His Father? It was far from Eden!

The next verses of His prophecy (which were to be realized in 70 AD) reveal exactly why He mourned. They could not see nor recognize the source of their peace.

"If you, even you, had only known on this day

what would bring you peace—

but now it is hidden from your eyes.

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."

[Lk 19:42-43]

Jesus knew Jerusalem's future and foretold the coming judgment.

As frustrated as He must have been with everything, it didn't ease the pain of a loving and compassionate Savior. He was ~ and remains ~ a God of feeling that is not removed from His creation.

What does He now see? What tears He must now weep! It's hard to swallow the thought of seeing the tears of our Savior.

Loving Lord and Master; In Your great mercy, forgive the pain we have caused You. I'm ashamed at the state of our world and unrepentent hearts. I confess our wickedness. Our only hope is in You. Thank You for entering this sinful world and saving us out of it.

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