As he [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.” Luke 19:41-42
Lord Jesus, the “heart-water” (tears) you shed coming into Jerusalem both indite and invite. Your woes are meant to woo us. As you journeyed from Palm Sunday to Good Friday, you grieved the way citizens of the “City of Peace” (Jerusalem) looked for peace in all the wrong places. We can relate.
They wanted you to be a political liberator; but you came, first and foremost, to be a Savior from our sins. They hoped you’d defeat Rome’s emperor, but you came to destroy the devil and all his works. They wanted their nation (Israel) to be first among all nations, but you came to redeem an every-nation Bride. They wanted power and prosperity; but more than anything, they needed your mercy and grace.
Jesus, us too—but our situation may be a bit more deceiving than theirs. When you didn’t give the citizens of Jerusalem what they expected, they crucified you. We don’t reject you—not consciously or obviously. We add to you.
We look for peace in you, Jesus, plus something or someone. It might be the approval of a spouse, lover, or our children. It could be Jesus + enough money, no cancer, our good works, winning at pickleball, never losing in the stock market, fewer wrinkles and hassles, more appreciation and control.
But Jesus, we know better. Any addition to you is a subtraction. Free us from every “Jesus-plus-something” lie and illusion. You alone are our Peace. With gratitude we proclaim, So Very Amen.