Jesus Cried

Today's reading is found in Luke 19. The last verses tell the story of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Can you just imagine the view? Jesus riding on a colt that had never been properly trained for this task. Yet, it knew its Master needed its service at the time and it behaved well. The crowds of followers started to remember all that Jesus had done for them and they grew enthusiastic. They shouted and praised God for the things Jesus had done. The people also threw their clothes down the path Jesus followed as a sign of welcome. What an exciting time for Jesus, don't you think?

Sadly, the story says that as Jesus came closer to the city, "he cried." How could this be? Wasn't this the moment He had come to expect? Had He not come to be proclaimed as the Messiah and accepted as such? Was He overwhelmed by the reception? No!!! The Bible tells us:

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” (Jeremiah 17:9, 10 - NLT)

Jesus understood that these people were praising God for what He had done, not for whom He was. God was standing right in front of them and all they could see was a healer, a food supplier, a teacher, a carpenter, Mary's son, etc. They failed to see God Himself! That's why Jesus cried.

Today I've learned that it is time for us to acknowledge Jesus as King and Master of our lives. It's time we stop thinking of Him simply as the One who can get us out of trouble. It's time we stop seeking Him when we are sick and in need of healing. It's time we stop considering Him as a simple miracle worker. He is God! And He deserves all our praise, worship and sacrifice. Jesus cried a long time ago because people refused to accept Him and He knew the consequences they would eventually confront. Today, I don't want to make Him cry. That's why I'm going to live for Him and serve Him as God of my life!