“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Luke 13:34-35

Mount Zion is probably in sight by now. Jesus is overcome by a complex of emotions, undoubtedly including dread of what he must first endure, but here his feelings are dominated by his sorrow about what might have been but now would never be. He longs to gather the people, to enfold and protect them, to be their Savior now, but they did not want him. Shortly, he will enter the city and his band of followers will shout ‘Blessed is he …’5 – but Jerusalem did not shout. Jerusalem would crucify him. After his ascension, the world would not see Jesus again, not until he returns to usher in the ‘new Jerusalem,’6 that is, the eternal kingdom of God. Then we will truly shout, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’

APPLY

We eagerly await the return of the Lord of eternity who can forgive us, cleanse us from our sins, and ready us for the kingdom. Anticipate with joy!

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, as I read about your sorrow over Jerusalem, I am reminded to pray for Israel. Pour out grace and mercy on your people; draw them to yourself.

(Edited from Encounter with God)