THE LION WHO IS A LAMB

Jesus is heading into Jerusalem for Passover – a week-long festival commemorating national deliverance from the oppressive power of Egypt. This time, Jesus would be playing the role of the lamb. The political and religious powers will play the part of Egypt.

All eyes are on him as he rides a donkey instead of a war horse into the capitol. His followers are jubilant, but Jesus is weeping over the violence he sees coming on the city.

The lion of Judah will become the slain lamb that causes the destruction to “pass-over” all who trust him. But most of Jerusalem will harden themselves the way Pharaoh did so long ago.

Refusing to repent, they will suffer the consequences of their sin. They have not just rejected the way of peace, but God Himself as he has come to his own temple and capitol city. They have sealed their doom. So he weeps.

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—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” Luke 19:41–44 (NIV)

How is your heart broken for the things that break God’s heart? How can you turn your grief into prayer? Are there any ways you are in danger of missing God because you are looking for a more practical savior?