GRACE CHURCH PASSION WEEK DEVOTIONALS ~ Monday, March 25, 2024

JESUS WEPT… Over what?                                                                   

On THREE OCCASIONS Jesus wept:

The FIRST was when Jesus witnessed the sorrow of Lazarus’ sisters at Lazarus’ death “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

The SECOND was in Gethsemane when a shower of bitter tears was mingled with His bloody sweat. [Luke 22:44]

The THIRD was at the sight of the beloved but rebellious city Jerusalem. Luke 19:41 (KJV) And when He was come near, He beheld the city (Jerusalem), and wept over it!

What Jesus saw, He’s broken over it! Thus, He wept [audibly!]

WHY SO? Jesus wept because the people had not put their trust in God. Had they believed, God would have brought peace to Jerusalem. Jesus could see the terrible events that were going to unfold, but the people could not see it.

Jesus’ tears were all for Jerusalem’s doom, even as He said afterwards, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me but weep for yourselves and your children” (Lk 23:28).

QUESTION: Do we see people through the eyes of Jesus? Are we moved with compassion, not with just a passing twinge of pity but a profound reaction that motivates action?

PONDER THIS WITH ME… How much did Jesus know? What troubled Jesus? Jesus knew that the Romans would attack and destroy the city. They would not leave one stone upon another. The people who remained in the city would not escape… thousands would die! Let’s put this in perspective: If everyone living in Pitt County, Onslow County and New Hanover County died that would be around 600,000 people. How many of these people would be saved? Lost?

RESURRECTION SUNDAY is just ahead! PRAY and ASK the Lord who you should invite to join you this Sunday at Grace Church. TRUST HIM and He will lay some friends or family members upon your heart to join you on Easter Sunday! HE IS RISEN! God bless you and yours!