Let’s not miss the point

Read > Luke 19:28-44

But as He came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, He began to weep (v. 41).

When Susan Boyle first appeared on the reality show Britain’s Got Talent, many in the audience looked at her and saw absolutely no star quality. But then she sang – wow! After her brilliant performance, she became a worldwide sensation. Some of Susan’s fans wished that she would keep the look and humble style of the person she had always been, while others cheered her on to become the person they thought she could be.

The large Jewish crowd that greeted Jesus as He entered into Jerusalem also had great expectations for Him (Luke 19:36). As they saw Him riding on a donkey, they were reminded of the prophet Zechariah, who spoke of the king of the Jews entering into Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9). They believed Jesus had come to save them from the tyranny of Rome. His miraculous act of raising Lazarus back to life had heightened His popularity as the people’s choice for king. If He could save one man, they reckoned, He could save on entire nation.

Jesus didn’t stop the people from proclaiming Him as the Messiah. His kingship had to be known, even if it took stones to testify to it (Luke 19:40). Yet Jesus grieved and wept because the Jews didn’t truly understand the purpose and importance of His coming. He wouldn’t become the kind of king they wanted Him to be. For they had failed to acknowledge Him as the One who would not only be able to save a nation, but the whole human race.

There are many people today who are willing to acknowledge Jesus only as one of history’s great men, a great teacher, or a great prophet. They miss the reality that Jesus came to earth so that God could bring them to Himself. He came to be the sacrificial Lamb who died for the sins of man. – Chris Tan

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Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the One He has sent” (John 6:29).

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How have you seen people accept Jesus on their terms – but not on His? How can you help them to understand – and accept – the real Jesus?