There are at least two references in the Bible to Jesus weeping. We’re quite familiar with the first, the shortest verse in the Bible:
Jesus wept. (John 11:35 NASB)
Does anyone know where to find the second reference?
Nestled within the events surrounding the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem we find the second reference. The people, in response to the entrance of Jesus, are shouting Hosannas, praises to the king. The Pharisees, the self-appointed praise monitors, demanded that Jesus silence those who were praising him. Rather than stifle their praise, Jesus informs the praise police that if his followers were to remain silent the rocks would cry out in praise.
Look what happens next:
And when He approached, He saw the city and wept over it, (Luke 19:41 NASB)
Why did Jesus weep? Why did he cry?
The first instance, the familiar instance, we find Jesus crying over the death of his friend Lazarus. Though we could also understand that the tears of Jesus may have come as a result of the unbelief of some and the belief of others.
The second instance, perhaps not so well known, we find Jesus crying because the people of Jerusalem had failed to recognize the graceful activity of God.
I wish you knew today what would bring you peace. But now it is hidden from you. The time is coming when your enemies will build a wall around you and will hold you in on all sides. They will destroy you and all your people, and not one stone will be left on another. All this will happen because you did not recognize the time when God came to save you. (Luke 19:42-44 NCV)
Jesus wept because the people did not recognize what would bring them peace.
Jesus wept because the people did not recognize the stubbornness and unbelief that would destroy them.
Jesus wept because the people did not recognize that their sins consumed them.
Jesus wept because the people did not recognize that God came to save them.
Do you remember what the people said of Jesus when they say him weeping for his friend Lazarus?
So the Jews said, “See how much he loved him.” (John 11:36 NCV)
Would not the tears of Jesus for the people of Jerusalem had also conveyed his great love?
You know I have to ask the question. Does the sinful condition of the cities in which we live, and our love for the people in our city, actually cause us to weep?
I’m not saying if you haven’t shed tears over your city you don’t care. I am saying that we often criticize and condemn the sin in our cities without the care and compassion of Christ.
How do we begin to move beyond condemnation to compassion? How do we develop the attitude and actions of Jesus in response to the condition of our cities?
Stand on your front porch in the morning as you go out the door - take a moment and look at those who live around you - pray for them.
Look at the people who ride the metro with you into or out of the city – take a moment and pray for them.
Look out into your cubicle, look at the people who work in your building and pray for them.
Look out your office window down onto the city block - take a moment and pray for the people you see.
Walking to lunch look at the people around you - in the mall, in the cafeteria, in the restaurants - pray for them.
Driving around on your route, driving back and forth, observe all posted traffic signs and pray for the people you see.
Jesus probably still weeps for our cities. He cries for those who have not yet found peace. He cries for those who have failed to recognize that God wants to save them.
Every once in a while we could use a good cry.
