The Savior's Tears

Oh, the times of something spilled! Long before sippy cups, parents were often driven to madness or tears with the almost-certainty a child would spill their drink. It only makes sense Jesus’ last visit to Jerusalem would be an emotional one, but those traveling with Him must have been surprised at the intensity of His tears as He neared the city. “When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it.” (Luke 19:41). With joy, I remember the breathtaking sight of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. The Savior's view, however, was a different sense of awe - He wept. These were not peaceful tears; the Greek word here (klaio) translates as weeping openly such as overtakes a person. Why the tears? Was the Savior fearing what was to come – the pain of suffering, death? No! Jesus said, “Eternal peace was within your reach and you turned it down. Now it is too late … You have rejected the opportunity God offered you.” (Luke 19:42-43). The Messiah didn’t weep without cause, nor was His weeping a slight matter. He didn’t weep for Himself but for the souls heavy with sin, rejecting the present Salvation. Oh, the Peace we often forfeit – Oh, the needless pain we bear! Dear friend, when were you last grieved over your sin ... grieved to tears? Jesus knew the extent to which He would be poured out for mankind AND He knew how we would at times dishonor and disgrace God’s precious act of redemption. Consider it – why would Christ not be grieved? Why would He not weep? If we could but understand the depth of God’s Great Love for us, we would weep also. His tears, His agony, His passion would not end until He took His rightful seat next to The Father. Oh, yes ... what a Savior!