Luke 19:41-48 – Jerusalem

Jesus knows well the character of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Their cruelty, their self-righteousness, their stubbornness, their blindness to the truth, and their pride of heart are not hidden from Him. He knows well what they are going to do to Him in a few days. His unjust judgement, His delivery to the Gentiles, His sufferings, His crucifixion, are all clear to Him. And yet knowing all this, our Lord pities Jerusalem.

Christ’s heart is wide enough to take an interest in all mankind. He has a love of general pity for the man who is going on still in wickedness, as well as a love of special affection for the sheep who hear His voice and follow Him. Hardened sinners are fond of making excuses for their conduct. But they will never be able to say that Christ is not merciful and is not ready to save.

Jerusalem might have known that Jesus is the Messiah – all the evidence is there. But she refuses to know. All ignorance is not excusable. When men might know the truth but refuse, their guilt is very great in the sight of God.

The Sabbath is to be a day of worship not a day of buying and selling. The temple is to be a place of worship, not a shopping centre. The very Pharisees who are so quick to criticise any work of necessity or mercy Jesus does on the Sabbath, are all too happy to turn God’s house into a market. And it isn’t even an honest market, but one with false prices and extortion. Jesus describes it as a den of thieves. Once again the hypocrisy of the Pharisees is exposed by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Questions
1. Why does Jesus pity Jerusalem?
2. Why did Jerusalem refuse to look at the facts about Christ?
3. What was going on in the temple? Why was this wrong?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.