Sabbath: Jesus in Jerusalem
Read for This Week’s Study: Luke 19:28-40, Zech. 9:9, Luke 19:45-48, Matt. 21:12-17,Luke 20:9-26.
Memory Text: Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it
(Luke 19:41, NKJV).
Image © Lars Justinen Goosalt.com
The last week of Jesus’ earthly life unfolded in Jerusalem. What tumultuous events marked that week too: the triumphal entry; Jesus weeping over the indifferent city; the cleansing of the temple; the scheming and the plotting against Him; the pathos of the Last Supper and the agony of Gethsemane; the mockery of a trial; the Crucifixion; and, finally, the Resurrection. Never before and never since has any city witnessed so critical a progression of history, one that brought the cosmic conflict between good and evil to its climax, even though no one but Jesus understood the significance of what was unfolding.
Jesus had passed through Jerusalem several times in His life. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all record Jesus as an adult visiting Jerusalem, though mostly during the Passion Week. Although other appearances of Jesus in Jerusalem are well-known-the infant Jesus being brought to the temple (Luke 2:22-38), the debate of the 12-year-old in the temple (vss. 41-50), the tempter taking Jesus to the highest point of the temple (Luke 4:9-13)-it is the closing week of Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem that occupies the special attention of the Gospel writers.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 20.
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If Jesus’ Kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36) and He did not intend to fuel the false hope of the people in an earthly kingdom why did He arrange such a grand entry into Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40)? It was to gather witnesses of the cross. It was to call attention to the event that would set up another kingdom and secure another Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2).
Witness makes a difference. There is understandable concern about the decline of Christianity in the Western world, both in measurable quantity and apparent quality. Without dismissing the various other factors one thing jumps out as a reason. It is media.
Satan has craftily channeled his message through the mainstream media like his own public relations arm. And he has conducted social media like his personal orchestra which plays charming tunes to lead unsuspecting followers astray.
In a community where self-importance is shamelessly celebrated there is hardly a more fitting symbol for social media than the ‘selfie.’ Believers ought to be mindful not to get caught up in the self-gratifying folly which parades as fun on social media and to guard against being unduly influenced by its secular chorus. The devil has his witnesses and they are not silent.
While the faithful need not be anxious about the deceiver’s avenues of witness the Savior calls for His witnesses to boldly declare His entry into the New Jerusalem as did those who shouted hosanna to the King (John 12:12, 13). The saints are to draw attention to the Second Coming and proclaim it loud. The faithful are the public relations arm of the Redeemer, and they give the trumpet a certain sound which contrasts with the devil’s tune.
The call to witness comes with a promise (Matthew 24:14). Christ and His church will triumph and He shall return (Acts 1:11).
Christs life taught us to be strong,peservere and trust that through Him, we can overcome any form of temptation, remain faithful during times of hardships and stand by the truth in any given situation.He overcame all sorts of situations to set an example for us who are called by His name (Christians)
When Jesus looks at our resistant hearts and our indecision what he can do is just to "weep". Its of great pitty that we cannot even realize our need for the saviour who is so so much availlable.
Our problems are bigger than we probably thought. The remedy for the same problems is far far greater than we can comprehend..
We need a King. We need a Hero in our lives. We need a conqueror.
You better prepare to welcome him into your life with jubilation.