As he [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he 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.” Luke 19:41-42
Lord Jesus, your troubled heart on Monday generated tears of lament on Tuesday. You groaned and grieved the way those in the “City of Peace” looked for peace in all the wrong places.
Many Jews wanted liberation by revolution, but you came bringing salvation by substitution. They hoped the Messiah would destroy the reign of Rome; but you came to destroy the works of the devil. They wanted Israel to be first among all nations, but you came to redeem a Bride from every nation.
As for Rome and her leaders, they would have been fine if you’d simply been a status quo rabbi—peace by accommodation and absorption. But Jesus you came to turn everything upside down that you might put all things right. Every kingdom needs shaking but yours, and only your kingdom will last.
We don’t look down on them or anybody. We look at ourselves in the mirror of your Word, and what we see is how we too look for peace beyond you, or in addition to you. It might be peace by the approval of people or the adoration of a spouse. Peace by acquiring enough money or enough attention from our kids. Sometimes we look to you, Jesus plus something for our peace: You + fewer wrinkles and less hassles. You + our good works and inner-circle inclusion. You + winning at pickleball and not losing the next election.
Jesus, with the eyes of our hearts wide open, we cry out, forgive us… free us. You alone are our Peace—the basis of our peace with God, and the fountain of our peace from God. So Very Amen.