Jesus Wept
Many people will attend church the last Sunday of April celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah. The mood will be upbeat: extra family members will be in attendance; choirs and praise teams will be singing with more intensity; pastors will be preaching with extra passion causing believers to become excited about their salvation as a result of the resurrection. Warmer weather, increased periods of sunshine and greener grass –– all add to the excitement of Resurrection Sunday.
But what will Jesus think of our celebration? During the triumphal entry the twelve disciples, Mary, Martha, Lazarus and thousands of pilgrim Jews were so happy to see Jesus that many threw down their coats, lifted palm branches, and cheered, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest” (Luke 19:38)!
Jesus, knowing men’s hearts and real intentions, as “He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it” (Luke 19:41). Jesus wept deeply because He knew what was coming – the destruction of the very city He was entering (Luke 19:42-44). He knew many who were so excited at His entrance were only days away from bitterly shouting, “Crucify Him!”
Brothers and sisters, as we go to our respective gatherings on Resurrection Sunday, may Jesus see in our public fellowships reasons to cheer and not to weep.
- Jim Weikal
