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Jesus Wept
"Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it," (Luke 19:4)
Luke records the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem (19:28-44). The Lord rode into the city on a colt. The disciples spread their clothes on the road and lavished Him with praises, “saying: 'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD!' Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38). One would think such an occasion would bring happiness, but instead it evoked tears from the Savior.
We are often touched when others cry – the tears of a child or of a grieving mother or wife. But when a man of strength, power, and conviction cries, we know that we are in the presence of deep emotion. Why did Jesus weep?
Jesus wept out of sympathy for human suffering and sorrow. He predicts troublesome days for Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). In chapter 23, Luke again records Jesus: "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!' (Luke 23:28-29). This he said foreseeing the destruction of Jerusalem that would come in 70 AD. It was compassion for the human race that motivated him to become poor that we might be rich (II Cor 8:9). It was compassion that prompted him in his tireless ministry to the lepers, lame, blind, hurting mothers, and sorrowful fathers. It is this compassion that draws the hardened sinner to him today. This is what makes Jesus so dear to his disciples.
Jesus wept out of regret for those who are in the wrong. Jesus promised God would punish Jerusalem "because you did not know the time of your visitation." (Luke 19:44). God was in their midst and they rejected him! Are we also affected by sin in the same way? Do the foolish drunkard, foul-mouthed fool, the negligent parent, and the fool who espouses error leave us with a feeling of contempt and sorrow? They should, because this is how Jesus felt!
Thus, as Jesus proceeds toward Jerusalem for one final confrontation with its religious leaders, he is overwhelmed with grief and tears. His tears break into a passionate lamentation, for God had been in their midst and they did not acknowledge him.
Jesus must feel the same way toward a society like ours. His word is found in almost every home in America, but it is virtually ignored.
- George Slover
Loving Others As Christ Loved Them
How do I love people when they are not always loveable?
First, I would suggest what works for one may not work for another. So I will just simply share what I try to do, and you can see what is good for you. When I have been hurt or disappointed in people, it has a negative effect on the relationship I have with others. There is a certain skepticism that enters in. I face the same struggles. Through the years, I have had challenges of loving people who were not always loveable. I need to be constantly reminded of loving others as Christ loved them.
Second, I try to remind myself that I am a servant of the Lord. Therefore, I serve others. I work for Him and with His people. I try to remember that these are His people, not mine. If He can love them, then why can’t I? He has been hurt far more and disappointed far more than I ever have.
Third, I try to remember that they also have to try hard to love me. And, being honest, I am not always easy to love, much as I might like to think I am. If they can love me, why can’t I love them?
Fourth, by love I mean to do them good, pray for them, speak well of them. I may not “like” them, but I can do them good. God causes the rain to fall on the good and evil (Matt. 5:45). Then who am I to withhold what he gives?
Fifth, I try to remind myself of who my God is. When I let skepticism, cynicism, etc. creep in, then Jehovah is not my God; Satan is my god. I DO NOT WANT TO SEREVE SATAN! Therefore, in spite of how I am treated or how I feel, I have to keep on loving as He loved. That is best expressed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. The end of this passage says, “Love never fails.” I believe that. I just have to make sure that I practice it.
Finally, it boils down to selfishness. Too often when I do good, it is because it is convenient. Sadly, when I really have to make a sacrifice of my time or money, it is out of my abundance. I love my brethren and others when, and if, it is easy for me.
I just have to remind myself what Christ gave up for me. If I want to be his disciple and love because He first loved me, my life should look more like His. I need to make more sacrifices and have fewer attachments to this world and the things of this world. And make no excuses.
There is no magic pill. It takes perspective and perseverance. Even great as Moses was, he struggled. Well, I hope this is at least a starter for you, if you have this struggle. I just have to make sure, that regardless of others I am trying my best to be like Him. Then, no matter what others do, my God is in control. Not them!
- Rickie Jenkins
