The common people’s view:

The people were looking for Jesus to come to Jerusalem. Their hero – healer of diseases who can feed thousands with only a few loaves of bread and fish – he would surely break the oppression from the Roman government in time. Here is the grand welcome the people had for Jesus:

8 Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,

11 So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.

–Mark 11:8-11 (NLT)

But Jesus’ wept:

As Jesus approached Jerusalem he wept. They were not tears for himself – for the beating he would have to endure and his crucifixion on the cross. They were tears for the people of Jerusalem. Tears for what was to become of them and of their city because they would not accept the salvation God was offering them through Jesus his Son. Read it here:

41 But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. 42 “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. 43 Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. 44 They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.”

–Luke 19:41-48 (NLT)

Where are you in this picture? Are you looking for the true salvation Jesus has to offer? Or are you looking only for miracles and comfort? Don’t sell yourself short.

Crucifixion image credit: inaquim / 123RF Stock Photo (image modified with gold by Janice D. Green)