The images of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem right before Passover are celebratory. Jesus riding on a borrowed donkey, his saddle the coats of his disciples, the road in front of him covered in more cloaks and even palm branches cut down from trees lining the road. The people praising the Lord, singing, and shouting Hosannas and calling Jesus a king.
“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!” (Luke 19:38 NLT)
What does Jesus do in the middle of this noise and excitement? He accepts the praise,
But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. (Luke 19:41)
Spiritual director Lorilyn Wiering describes Jesus as sobbing loudly:
Luke does not use the Greek word that described how Jesus wept at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, dakruo, which means to weep silently, but chooses instead the verb klaio, which means “to sob, to wail aloud.”
Jesus ugly-cries, in public, for the people who have not listened. Who have not recognized that God was among them.
How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. (Luke 19:42)
Who do not understand the way to peace.
The glorious scene, the people praising God, singing, shouting, dancing, it’s all for him. He accepts it, but doesn’t focus on himself. He focuses on those who will choose destruction over the peace he offers.
Jesus is experiencing the highest of highs and, simultaneously, a low so low that he cannot hide his loud, ugly-crying.
That’s how much he loves you and me. That’s how much he wants us to have that peace.