Why Are You Weeping Jesus?

WHY ARE YOU WEEPING JESUS?

Luke 19:41-42

INTRODUCTION:

A. This morning you heard the children from Wacky Wednesday sing a song proclaiming “Hosanna.”

1. The idea for the song is taken from the account of what has been called “Christ’s Triumphal Entry” and is usually preached on Psalm Sunday.

2. The scriptural account is found in all four of the gospels

3. It is a last note of joy before the dreadful days to follow – Christ’s trial, physical suffering & crucifixion.

4. Both the song and the Bible speak of the blessedness of the One who comes in the name of the Lord.

B. Though it might have been a triumphal entry in some peoples eyes, I believe it was more of a personal presentation of the King of Israel in God’s eyes

1. They praised Him with their words on that day and they crucified Him in the wickedness, just a few days later.

2. This fact did not lose itself in the mind of God or the gospel writer Luke

C. For in the gospel of Luke we find two verses that give us a little more insight into the happenings of that day

1. Luke 19:41-42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, [42] Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

2. The crowds are rejoicing, but Jesus is weeping.

3. Why? The answer to that question is the point of this message: Why Are You Weeping, Jesus?

D. The answer can be found in two very distinct observations:

1. Jesus wept for the hardened hearts of God’s People

2. Jesus wept for the Lost of God’s flock.

E. May God enlighten our hearts to our plight and that of others as we look into His word and heart.

PRAY

1 Peter 4:17 states, For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? So lets begin with “the house of God” His people. On the way into Jerusalem that day

I. JESUS WEPT FOR THE HARDENED HEARTS OF GOD’S PEOPLE, Luke 19:41-42 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, [42] Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

A. As Jesus approached the city of Jerusalem He could hear all the hoop-la and cheering, yet He knew the hearts of those who were singing and spreading branches and clothes in the way.

1. Note a couple of things here

a. He came close – he came close to the ones he desperately wanted to help, but they would not receive His help

b. He looked upon them, actually he looked over the whole group of them in all of their outward yet shallow joy.

c. And he wept – His heart broke because he knew what was to come.

2. The words he spoke ring out If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes

a. Other translations make it even clearer:

1) The Contemporary English Version “It is too bad that today your people don’t know what will bring them peace! Now it is hidden from them.”

2) The Message says it in a much more personal manner "If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it’s too late.”

b. Jesus was saying that the way to peace was standing at their door, but they would not let him in because of the hardness of their hearts

c. They preferred to move forward in their own understanding, in their own desires, and in their own strength.

d. The King of the Jews was a stranger in his own house, a fact the apostle confirms, He came unto his own, and his own received him not. John 1:11

B. I’m afraid this could be said of many churches today.

1. Jesus has approached the church, us His people, and is standing outside, because we will not let Him in

a. He is looking at His people and they sound like they know Him, they look like they know Him, they are even doing religious things for him, yet there He stands without looking in and crying.

b. He knows each of our hearts this morning

2. Maybe he is even saying, If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But, alas, it is hidden from you.