READING: Luke 19
TEXTS AND APPLICATION: The Bible is filled with various emotions, often within a single chapter. Consider these responses and emotions so apparent in today's reading:
Zacchaeus is overwhelmed with joy when Jesus comes to his house: “So he quickly came down and welcomed Him joyfully” (Luke 19:6).
BUT, the religious leaders grumble because Jesus eats with sinners: “All who saw it began to complain, ‘He’s gone to lodge with a sinful man!’” (Luke 19:7)
The people rejoiced when He made His entry into Jerusalem: “Now He came near the path down the Mount of Olives, and the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: 'The King who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heaven!'” (Luke 19:37-38)
BUT, the religious leaders sought to destroy Him: “The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to destroy Him” (Luke 19:47)
In the midst of these emotions, though, is the picture of Jesus weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-42). Here’s what I deeply love about this text: Jesus knew the city would reject Him — that is, He was not caught by surprise here — and He knew they deserved judgment; yet, He was still broken over their actions. His sovereign knowledge of their rejection and His correspondingly right judgment did not diminish his heartache over their condition. He really does love us, even in our rebellion.
ACTION STEPS: Take time today to evaluate your level of grief over those who reject God. Even when we know that God’s judgment is always right, it’s also right to weep over lostness.
PRAYER: “God, give me a broken heart over lost people. Break me over specific individuals. By name.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Mark 11, John 12
