The Lent Season reminds us of the 40 days leading up to the
death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Days before his trial and execution he
was greeted by crowds in the street shouting ‘Hosanna’. As he approached the city of Jerusalem, he was struck by
the paradox of what was happening.
The crowd shouts ‘Hosanna!’
while Jesus whispers ‘Oh no!’ and
bursts into tears. ‘Jesus knew that the
excitement of the crowds did not correspond to genuine spiritual perception and
that the actions being pursued would inevitably bring war, not peace.’ [i]
Luke 19:
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.”
Just as He had prophesied the city was sacked in AD 70 by
the Romans. Many lost their lives and the Holy City was decimated. These words
of Jesus are tragic. The same people who shouted ‘Hosanna’ lacked the insight
to see what was needed to bring peace. The Holy concept of Shalom had been
reduced to politics and sentimental religion. The loudest fans crucified the
only King who could bring the desired peace. The false Shalom of religion and
politics would not save them.
The tears of Jesus are not just any tears. They are the
tears of God expressed through a Suffering Saviour. As we become Christ’s
followers, will our eyes well up and voices crack at the desperate times upon
the world?
Are we able to look at our city and cry for her? Do we
understand that much her suffering citizens require a compassionate response?
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