When Jesus traveled to Jerusalem that Sunday before the crucifixion, deception surrounded Him. As He rode a colt, crowds laid palm branches before Him and shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David!…Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!…Blessed is the King of Israel! ¹ But their praise was empty. A few days later, they would condemn Him. In the city more deception was waiting.

Religious leaders asserted their integrity, even as they planned Jesus’ murder. Pharisees asserted devotion to God, but were devoted to rules. Some claiming to seek truth were Herodian spies. Sadducees boasted spiritual knowledge yet had no understanding. One pretending to be Jesus’ friend would betray Him. And eleven who walked with Him would refuse to stand by His side.

Jesus knew all of this. He knew the crowd was only there for the show. He knew what was in the hearts of those seeking Him harm. He knew who were liars and cheats. And He knew who would be guided by self-interest, self-preservation, and fear. He understood just how low these people were, and yet…

Jesus wept over the destruction of lives.

As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, Jesus wept over it and said, If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes. ² Jesus did not simply see the downfall of a city. He saw the destruction of lives.

He saw the suffering brought on by evil. He saw the hatred, malice, envy, jealousy, and blind ambition of those who think only of their own well-being, who only show up for the show. He saw men and women who did not recognize the very one who could bring them peace. And it overwhelmed Him with sorrow.

Are we ready for what the Light reveals?

I climbed a mountain one Easter morning and watched the night transform into a blue sky. The sun broke on the horizon, a single drop of brilliant gold that spread like liquid poured onto the land. It rose from distant trees and into the heavens. Then I noticed its light rested on a poor community where people were struggling. How easy it was to see such an event and miss what the light had come to reveal.

As we approach Easter, may we not be so consumed by pageants or plays, what we’ll wear or how we’ll look, nor even by the time we’ll spend with family and friends, that we forget what was foremost on Jesus’ mind when He approached the city.

There are lives all around us that are broken…men, women, and children alone and suffering…people desperate for the love and peace that can only come from God. As Jesus drew near the city, He saw them…He saw you and me…and He cried when He saw our pain.

Don’t miss what the Light has come to reveal. Jesus loves you. Are you ready for the Prince of Peace?

Ciloa Forever!

Chuck

 

 

Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement and teaching others how to “encourage one another as long as it is called Today!” He is also an author, speaker, teacher, and encourager. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. You can learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.

 

 

 

Footnotes: (1) Read Matthew 21:8-9, Mark 11:8-10, John 12:12-15. (2) Read Luke 19:41-44.

 

Pictures: Banner: Palm Sunday, Image from the blog “Jesus Rides a Donkey (Palm Sunday)”, April 1, 2012, HisTreasureSeekers.wordpress.com. (1) Hosanna, from the photo taken by Brady Leavell, unsplash.com. (2) Jesus Wept, digital artwork by Chris Brazelton, Sept. 13, 2023, FineArtAmerica.com. (3) Sonrise, photo by Chuck Graham, 2023.