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12. The Hardheartedness of the People of Jerusalem in Front of Christ’s Mercy and Compassion (Matthew 23:37-39)
MATTHEW 23:37-39
37 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! 38 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (1 Kings 9:7-8, Matthew 21:9, 26:64)
Christ suffered for all men. He suffered most at the hands of the religious zealots who clung to their own interpretation of the Law of Moses. It was not the ordinary sinners who actually killed Jesus, but the hypocrites and spiteful religious leaders. Yet, Christ loved them and called them to Him time after time. He sought to draw them to Him, and how often He manifested to them the signs of His love and power! Yet, as the end came near, Jesus described Jerusalem as "The one who kills the prophets and those who are sent to her." He called the center of civilization and the protector of God's house "The one who kills." How severe will be the punishment upon Jerusalem!
Christ had constantly tried to gather poor souls, gather them in from their wanderings, gather them home to Himself. The Scripture says, "to him must the gathering of the people be" (Genesis 49:10). He would have gathered the whole Jewish nation into his spiritual kingdom under the wings of the Divine Majesty. He wanted to gather them, with tenderness and affection, as a hen does her chicks; instinctively, but with concern. Christ's desire to do this comes from His love (Jeremiah 31:3). The hen's chicks gather under her wings for protection and safety, and for warmth and comfort. Wretched souls who gather in Christ's arms find the same, along with refreshment. As a hen will protect her chicks, so Jesus was willing to die for those who seek His protection from sin and death.
Yet, the majority refused to humble themselves or repent and confess their sins. They did not recognize God's love displayed through His merciful, holy Son. They not only rejected Him, but had Him crucified. Many also willfully ignored the voice of the Holy Spirit, so God's judgment descended upon Jerusalem. The holy city was destroyed and ruined in 70 AD after the Jews' revolt against the Romans. Between 132-135 AD, the rest of the country suffered the same fate. Since that time, the majority of the Old Covenant members have been scattered among the nations that were despised by them. Their house will remain in ruin and they will not see Christ (their Messiah), who is their hope, unless they repent from their opposition and believe in the crucified Son of God. Only then will the divine curse be raised from them. Then the living waters of the holy city of Jerusalem can flow to the dead wilderness around it (Zechariah 12:10-11). But before this happens, Jerusalem will become a cup of drunkenness and a stumbling block to all the nations (Zechariah 12:2-3). Therefore, we pray, "Come, Lord Jesus! You are coming to our Earth, and we are waiting for You. Come soon, for without You, there can be no peace in Jerusalem."
PRAYER: Holy Lord, we are part of a proud generation, yet Your Son loves those who are broken and in need of Him. Forgive us our imperfect love, and fill us with Your power that we may serve You with repenting hearts, and preach Your kingdom, that everybody shall repent and participate in the prayer: Come, Lord Jesus! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
QUESTION:
- What does Christ teach us about the city of Jerusalem?