“And when Jesus drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,” Luke 19:41
Take a moment. Jesus wept over the city. Jesus wept over those who would reject Him, division in the church, and for those who would come against His people. Jesus wept…. stop… consider… Jesus’ response was weeping. Stop reading for a second and consider the broken heart of Jesus.
Did you consider what was in Jesus’ heart as He looked over Jerusalem? In Acts as the church is growing Paul stands up to speak to the men of Israel. Go read what Paul says in verses 16-41. What happens next? The Gentiles beg for Paul to share with them the next Sabbath. These responses could be some of what Jesus considered looking over Jerusalem years earlier, “But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.” (Acts 13:45) and “But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.” Acts 13:50
Now look at how the disciples respond? “But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 13:51-52
Here’s our challenge as the church: Weep and pray for division in the church and rejection of Jesus. Shake off the dust of your feet and move on with joy when hearts are hard. I know that’s hard personally, but we can’t determine the hearts of people. You are filled with the Holy Spirit. It’s never our purpose to figure out the results. Our purpose is to follow Jesus. Walk as His witness. Follow Jesus!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.