As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 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. Luke 19:41-42 NIV
Passion for the Lost – Part 8 Weeping
In John 11:35 Jesus weeps over the intense grief of his friends about the death of Lazarus. We are privileged to see Jesus humanity open and laid bare. He knows the pain of losing someone close and before their time.
However, in this passage in Luke, we see that Jesus is weeping over the city of Jerusalem. They are on the pathway to destruction and have no knowledge of the impending doom nor can they see how to avoid it. He weeps for their rejection of the path to peace and that his beloved city will be destroyed.
When you drive around your city, what perils may be “hidden from your eyes”? Prayer drives or even prayer walks can stir up a passion for the plight of the lost.
- Perspective – “As Jesus approached the city”. We are creatures of habits in lots of ways that cause us to lose the obvious needs around us. Recently I walked around my house and made a note of the items that needed repair or adjustment. It was amazing how quickly we can just accept things as okay. Make a decision to look at your city with the eyes that Jesus would have. What do you see that is broken or run down? Where are the places that people hang out – many looking for answers? Where do the elderly gather? What needs do they youth have?
- Reconnect Emotions – “as he saw the city, he wept over it.” You don’t have to be a “crier” to connect with your emotions. What stirs your heart to care? Many times it will involve your own walk through pain and healing. If you had addictions and overcame, you would be sensitive to others plight. If you experienced divorce, you may see the hurt and destruction that occurs in families. Let what you see move you to ask this question, “Who is helping the people in this particular need?” Anger over injustice is helpful because it stirs us to action.
- Called to Tell – “if you had known what would bring you peace, but now it is hidden from you.” The people of Jerusalem had literally experienced the God-man living, walking, and teaching in their midst, yet they rejected him. In our city, there are those who have never heard, some who have heard but the path is still foggy, and those who have rejected Jesus to follow their own path. Conversation is the pathway to seeing. The good news about Jesus gives others the ability to see clearly where they can find hope and peace. When we see that someone is lost in their relationship toward Jesus, it is incumbent upon us that we share with them that Jesus is the way, the truth , and the life.
Palm Sunday celebrates the movement of Jesus from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. When you are traveling, it is a great time to gain perspective about and over the needs of people in your city. What will you see on your way to church this morning?
Blessings Love y’all.