But as they came closer to Jerusalem and Jesus saw the city ahead, he began to cry. “I wish that even today you would find the way of peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from you.  Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you.  They will crush you to the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you have rejected the opportunity God offered you.”

Luke 19:41-44 (NLT)

The scene from Jesus’ life described above disturbs me.  On the surface, it’s disturbing because Luke records it in the context of Jesus’ triumphal entry.  On one hand, people are hailing Him as the ‘Son of David’, yet on the other they are about to refuse the gift of peace that He alone offers.  Instead, they are going to get what they deserve for such disrespect and irreverence; war and destruction!  So, why is He weeping over them?

Secondly, Jesus is on the way to the cross.  He warned the guys who had been with Him for the past three years that it was going to happen.  Now, here He was being praised by the same people lining the road on which He traveled who would be cursing Him hours later at the cross!  But, they were going to get what was coming to them; war and destruction.  Again, why is He weeping over them?

Obviously, Jesus said it earlier in His life as recorded by John the apostle, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:17)  Jesus was weeping for the people of Jerusalem because they were oblivious to the peace that He offered them through His death.  He loved them deeply!  Theologically, I can grasp the concept.  So, why do I have such a problem relating to people by the same principle?  Why does the community of faith prefer vengeance to grace, retribution to reconciliation?

There is an outcry in our world, and in our lives, for honesty and authenticity in life.  For Christ followers, it means “acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God.”  (Micah 6:8)  So, when we hear people pour out their pain and doubts in conversations, when we see people express anger and despair through addiction and immorality, and when we experience people engulfed by resignation and depression, why are we so quick to talk and act as though we are superior?  Why do we try to “fix” each other?  Why are we so bent on justifying our love for one another by having answers rather than simply sharing pain, doubts, or disappointments in life?

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.”  (Romans 12:14-16)  The fullness of God is experienced in relationship!  Jesus died to reconcile us to our Father.  That’s relationship!  The blood of Jesus cleanses our conscience so we can love one another.  That’s relationship!  Can we learn to listen to one another pour out problems without feeling the need to judge?  Can we learn to weep over a world of people who rejects our God, our faith, and our friendship rather than condemn them for their choice?  Can we learn to just share life with each other in the grace God has extended us?

May I not be oblivious to the fact that after all, Jesus didn’t come to condemn me, but to save me.  May we all learn to live like Him.  What would it look like in our church if we did?