Day Thirty

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city,
he wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you,
had only known on this day what would
bring you peace.’” (Luke 19:41–42)

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:28–44

We often make the mistake of imagining Christ as virtually emotionless—not really happy, not really sad. Just steady. In stark contrast, the Word of God describes a refreshingly emotional man—yet uniquely perfect.

English Scripture translations are often less descriptive than the Hebrew and Greek texts. As we dig into the original descriptions of Christ’s emotions, we discover that He sometimes danced and leaped with great joy. We also learn that He grieved—and not simply with tears streaming down His cheeks. He expressed real-live, fit-throwing grief. In fact, the original word for Jesus’ weeping in verse 41 is klaio, “implying not only the shedding of tears, but also every external expression of grief.”9

Keep in mind the Hebrew people were quite demonstrative. No one had to teach them to express their feelings! You may be wondering what would upset Christ enough to make Him act out “every external expression of grief.” Was it Lazarus’s death? No. Was it His agony in the garden of Gethsemane? No. Was it the abandonment by His disciples? Not that either. You’ve just read the account in Luke 19:41–42. Let’s insert the definition: “As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he [expressed every external expression of grief] over it.” Why? Because Jerusalem had refused the Prince of peace. The city of Zion is still in turmoil for the same reason. Sadly, so are many Christians. Christ cannot bear to see us in constant turbulence.

If you knew you were going to die tonight, what treasure would you leave your loved ones? Something valuable to you, I’m sure. Just before His crucifixion, Christ said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). In this verse Jesus left something immensely valuable—peace.

Can you think of a time when Christ’s peace empowered you to deal with a situation that in normal circumstances would have left you out of control? If so, praise Him for it. Can you think of a time when you needed Christ’s peace but you felt isolated? If so, what could you learn from the experience?

For reasons pertaining to eternal glory, Christ may not instantly remove your pain, your thorn, or your sickness, but, beloved, regardless of the trial, you can receive His peace. It is your legacy. Your inheritance. Your right. You need not remain in turmoil. Nothing breaks His heart more than our refusal to be at peace in Him.

Christ offers you peace. Today and everyday. Claim it now.