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222. Jesus’ Lament

Psalm 122, Luke 19:41-44
Key Verse: "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace but now it is hidden from your eyes."
Luke 19:42


Jesus was entering Jerusalem along with the throngs of people who were coming into the city to celebrate the Passover. As they walked, many of them may have been singing, or remembering the Psalms of ascent, of which Psalm 122 is one. The Psalms of ascent were psalms intended to be used by the travelers as they came along on their way to the temple. They were called psalms of ascent because the temple was up on the mount, so they sang these psalms as they ascended.

These psalms helped the people remember how their ancestors had suffered, but also how God had been faithful to them. They may have had many sorrows, but God had restored them and would do so again. "I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." (Psalm 122:1-&-6-7)

Luke, however, pulls back the veil for us and shows us that all is not right. While the people are celebrating, singing their Psalms, shouting "Hosanna to their King," Jesus, who sees the hearts of all men, is not rejoicing. He is lamenting because He knows that He isn't what they want, but what they need if they are to ever experience true peace.

If they would only remember the significance of this day; of the manner in which He is entering the city. If they would only remember the prophesies and understand just how blessed the day truly is. John, however, points out that even the disciples get caught up in the moment and it is only after Christ's Ascension that they understand what truly happened on that day. "At first His disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him and so they had done these things to Him." (John 12:16)

He was grieving because they still didn't understand. In fact, this day marked the beginning of an entire week that they wouldn't understand. The prophesies had been given, the clues were there, but no one would understand that, in love, God was fulfilling His promise to His people to conquer satan forever.

Sometimes, in love, we must do things and make decisions that those we love do not understand. Jesus understands that frustration all too well. What we need to remember is, that he did what needed to be done anyway and trusted, that in the future, the truth, and understanding would be revealed. When we do what is right anyway, we are acting like Christ and the mind and peace of Christ are there to guide us. Sometimes we are asked to walk a very hard path, but none worse than the path that Jesus walked while on this earth. He is holding your right hand through it all. (Isaiah 41:13)

Hymn: "Jerusalem Lift Up Thy Voice" 

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