And when He [Jesus] drew near and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace!
Luke 19:41-44
Jesus is nearing the city of Jerusalem. Looking at the city, Jesus weeps for the people of Jerusalem because, as He says that if the people knew on this day of His arrival in the city, the things that make for peace, His peace, how much would they repent of their sins and turn to their Messiah. But, that is not going to happen this day because Satan, ruler of the world’s systems, has blinded their eyes at this moment of Messiah’s presence. Then, Jesus prophesies of a future when the people of Jerusalem will face impending disaster by their enemies. Jesus, further, predicts that the city will be destroyed and many people will be killed with no regard as to who is slain. Jesus’ prophecy comes between His triumphal entry and His cleansing the Temple of all the unholy people and activity taking place on the Temple grounds. Previously, Jesus’ Disciples had asked Him about the future in Matthew 24. Jesus predicted to them the complete destruction of the Temple and the slaughter of many who remain in the city. These prophecies were fulfilled in 70 AD when the Roman armies came into Jerusalem to quell rebellion and establish Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the city. The resulting conflict killed nearly a million Jews and the Temple complex was dismantled stone by stone. The only part not destroyed was the western wall which still stands today. The carnage and destruction was accompanied by heavenly visions reported by several historians of the time. These heavenly visions were of chariots and angels crossing the skies and trumpets blowing the sounds of war. In verses 43-44, Jesus repeats His prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem. Since the Jews were brought out of slavery in Egypt, they have had a history of obedience to God, disobedience to God and, punishment by God, only to repeat the process over and over again. Jesus warned the religious leaders and the Jewish people of coming judgment because they have rejected their Messiah. Christians are to be mindful of how God loved His chosen nation, how they disobeyed and, how judgment is brought upon them. For, if God, who is patient with His chosen ones but, not eternally, judges the Jews in this manner, what should Christians, today, expect from God? God does not overlook sin. He sent His Only Begotten Son to pay our sin debt. God will not abide sinful creatures who willfully disobey Him continually. Christians are not sinless but must pray continually for forgiveness of their sin. The Holy Spirit will work in the Christian’s life to sanctify him/her. May all Christians see the Messiah as our Savior, who covered our sins with His atoning blood and Him as our Lord who reigns over us even now!
Source: S C Ball April 19, 2023
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