Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem

Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem

Luke 18:28-44

The Triumphal Entry.  Jesus rides into Jerusalem on the eve of Passover.  This is not accidental timing.  This is a calculated event, designed to create the maximum attention for his arrival. 

For some time he has been preparing his disciples for the events that will occur when they reach the Holy City.  They do not yet understand—or perhaps they do not want to understand.  What Jesus is telling them is so horrific they cannot accept it.  Jesus must be wrong.  He can’t possibly believe that he’s going to be arrested, tried, tortured and executed.  They’ve missed the part about rising in three days, perhaps because that’s the most difficult part to understand.

Jesus has timed his arrival to occur when the city is at fever pitch.  Passover, the most joyous festival of the Jewish year, begins in a few days.  Pilgrims from all over world are making their way to the city.  For years they have been saying to friends and relatives, “Next year in Jerusalem,” and now it’s coming true.  Crowds are everywhere, extending out to the Mount of Olives, the place where tradition says the Messiah will appear.  “Perhaps this will be the year,” they say to each other.  “We don’t want to miss it.”

The Jewish religious and political leaders are also keyed up.  They don’t want any trouble during the feast.  If there is trouble, and they can’t handle it, they might lose their positions, along with the prestige and income those positions bring.

The Romans are also tense.  While they are trained administrators and soldiers, once trouble starts there’s no telling what may happen.  They can handle trouble alright, but, like a musician or actor before a performance, they’re full of nervous energy.

Into this scene rides Jesus, on a donkey, a symbol of peace, coming down the Mount of Olives, surrounded by his disciples.  They desperately want Jesus to take control of the city, to throw the Roman oppressors out, to demote the religious leaders, and promote Jesus’ followers to positions of leadership.  They know this is the time it will happen.  They can feel it, almost taste it.

Crowds gather, attracted by the shouting, adoring disciples.  Coats are thrown in front of Jesus so the donkey’s feet will not touch the ground.  Others in the crowd cut branches off trees and add them to the coats.  Perhaps this is the year.  Perhaps this is the promised Messiah.  He doesn’t look like much, but who knows.  Can’t always judge a book by its cover.  His followers are enthusiastic.  They must know something the crowds can’t see.

Jesus sits calmly, almost detached from the noise and action around him.  His face is peaceful, relaxed.  He alone knows what awaits him.  He alone knows how the week will end. 

The Pharisees join the crowd to evaluate the situation, to figure out what’s happening.  They sense this might be the trouble they want to avoid.  They tell Jesus to stop this nonsense, to control his followers.  Jesus answers, “I tell you, if these are silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Nothing can stop the chain of events that is unfolding.  Event after event will unfold until all is completed.  The next few days will find Jesus in the temple, further infuriating the leaders until they have no choice but to remove him.

“And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it.”

Jesus’ suffering will be a matter of hours.  Jerusalem’s will go on for years.  Jesus has wanted to gather the nation to him, but it will not happen.  The die is cast.