But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.” (NLT)
If we want to know what God is like, we need first to look at Jesus who is the living word, the living expression of God. And among other things, we see that God weeps. Jesus wept at the sight of Jerusalem. He had come to offer them peace with God and assure them their longing for the Messiah was fulfilled in him.
But many in Jerusalem would not heed his words or respond to his acts. The one they hoped for and prayed for was in their midst and they turned their backs on him because he didn’t conform to their traditional expectations.
Jesus shows us that God does not despise such people. He does not slip over into hatred of them. But like a parent weeping over a rebellious child who is headed for self-destruction, the Saviour weeps over those he longs to save. And like such a parent, he realises his great love cannot compel them to respond.
Jesus shows us that God offers reconciliation with himself but that he will not force the issue. Jerusalem will be destroyed in later years by vengeful Roman authorities. Jesus’ love for the city will not prevent that. Love is not control, or easy-going sentimentality. Love cannot command the loved one’s response. Which is why love weeps.
Blessings,
David
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