The King Who Cried

The King Who Cried Luke 19 41

INTRO.: Tell story of triumphal entry. Matt. 21"1-14. This took great courage. Jesus could have entered the city quietly. It’s estimated there may have been 2.5 million people in the city for the Passover. He could have slipped in unnoticed in such a crowd. Instead, He chose a way that would focus attention on Him. Why?

He entered the city like royalty. He was making a statement. He is the king promised by Zechariah (9:9).

This is love’s last appeal. “Accept me now as your king. Avoid much suffering and sorrow.” He knew they would not.

From the slopes of the Mount of Olives, He saw a panoramic view of the city laid out before Him. He stopped there for a moment to weep because of the rejection He knew was coming. He wept, not for Himself, but for the people of God. They were headed for destruction.

They rejected truth for ignorance, peace for conflict, life for death.

I. He cried because people rejected truth, chose ignorance:

A. This procession was a claim of Messiahship. He is telling them He is the Savior they have waited for.

1. He is acting out His message like OT prophets sometimes did.

2. Rides a donkey rather than a charger because He is King of peace, not a conquering general.

3. Crowds thronged His path, but He knew they would soon shout “crucify Him.”

B. They were “in the dark” and He came to bring light:

1. He was like a light shining in the dark.

2. But, He was not like the Messiah they were expecting.

3. Like turning on a light in a dark room, the light hurt so they shut their eyes.

4. They chose not to know the truth of God.

C. God still sends light in Jesus. ”This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5

1. In the light is fellowship with God. I John 1:7

2. Many don’t give up the works of darkness. The light hurts.

3. Jesus weeps when we choose to remain ignorant of God and His will.

II. He cried because people rejected peace and chose war.

A. They hoped Jesus would recruit an army and free them from political oppression.

1. Jerusalem was a city divided religiously, politically.

2. They were dominated by foreigners

3. They were traveling toward destruction in 70 AD.

4. Most of the people were ready for war. This city and nation were ticking bombs.

B. This is the way of the world. We are always in conflict.

1. Men fight against God and each other.

2. This conflict always tends toward self-destruction. We know this but we wage war anyway.

3. So, while He is offering peace, they marshal their forces to kill Him. Luke 19:47

C. Let’s choose the peace only Jesus has to offer:

1. Not what the world calls peace, an armed truce, but inner contentment and security

2. He brought peace through the cross. Peace with men and God. Eph. 2:14-19

3. “the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;” Rom 8:6. His Spirit gives peace.

4. Several NT epistles begin with “grace and peace to you.” It is available through Christ.

III. He cried because they rejected life and chose death:

A. Not the first time they faced this choice: Deut. 30:15ff

1. Israel was called upon to choose life or death and it would relate to their obedience or disobedience.

2. Why choose death? Many did all through Israel’s history.

3. But, the choice was theirs. Now, Jesus calls a different generation to the same choice.

B. It isn’t always as easy as we may think to choose life:

1. Millions of American mothers choose death for their unborn babies because it’s easier than life.

2. Jesus chose life for us. It required death for Him.

3. To choose life calls for surrender, obedience. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” Mark 8:35

C. Jesus offers life today:

1. Full life: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

2. To reject Jesus is to choose death over life.

3. Physical death comes to all, as it came to Jesus. Death or life in eternity is a choice Jesus gives us.

4. Jesus weeps when we choose death. Heaven rejoices when we choose life.

CONC.: Would Jesus weep over your city today? He might if you choose light over darkness, conflict over peace, and death over life. May this be the day you turn to Him for truth, peace, life.