Golgotha

A Capital Idea

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1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him. – 2 Samuel 5:1-10 ESV

With the pronouncement “they anointed David king over Israel” the fulfillment of God’s promise finally arrived. It had been a long time in coming and had not been without its difficulties and delays. Along the way, David must have questioned whether it would ever happen. and it was in those moments of doubt that David was tempted to take matters into his own hands and speed up the process. But the will of God can’t be rushed. Our impatience and subsequent impulsive attempts to help God out will never alter His timing or the outcome He has in mind. In most cases, it will simply complicate things, making our wait seem even longer and the circumstances surrounding our lives even more difficult.

But the day finally arrived when David was crowned king by all 12 tribes of Israel. The elders of Israel, representing the 11 tribes that had appointed Ish-bosheth as king, arrived in Hebron and formally announced their allegiance to David. With Abner dead and Ish-bosheth having been assassinated, these elders found themselves in a difficult spot. Very little time had passed since they listened to the advice of Abner and crowned Ish-bosheth as their king. In doing so, they issued a no-confidence vote in David. Yet, now that they were facing a crisis of leadership, they changed their tune and declared their full support for David. They even confess that he had really been the one who led Israel, even during the days of Saul’s reign. They glowingly recall David’s exploits as a decorated military leader who commanded Israel’s troops and brought about glorious victories over their enemies.

They even claim to have known all along that David had been God’s choice to be the next king of Israel.

“And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’” – 2 Samuel 5:2 NLT

This better-late-than-never admission was their way of winning favor with David. If they had truly known that David was God’s choice to be the next king of Israel, their appointment of Ish-bosheth was in direct violation of the will of God. Whether they realized it or not, their acknowledgment of David’s divine appointment was actually a confession of guilt. They had disobeyed God.

In the ancient Near East, the term “shepherd” was commonly used to describe either a divinity, king, or ruler. They were admitting that David should have been their king all along, but they had never done anything about it up until this point. This awareness on their part helps explain the reaction of Saul to David’s success. He feared David and was jealous of him. It wasn’t just that they sang songs about him, it was that he knew the rumors that David was to be the shepherd of Israel. That is why he set out to kill David.

A key lesson from this story is that it is possible to know the will of God and refuse to accept it. We can be completely aware of what God wants us to do and then simply refuse to do it. If the Israelite elders had known all along that David was the God-appointed replacement for Saul, why had they not joined the tribe of Judah and crowned David king years earlier? Knowing God’s will is one thing, obeying it is another.

But as the old saying goes: Better late than never. They finally crowned David King. The year was 1004 B.C. and David was 30 years old. He had already reigned seven years over Judah and he would reign an additional 33 years over the unified kingdom of Israel. So, David would enjoy a four-decades-long rule and would prove to be the greatest king Israel ever had. His reign would have its highs and lows, its moments of glory, and its days of heart-crushing humiliation and defeat.

Like any man, David would make mistakes. He would leave behind a legacy filled with victories on the battlefield as well as defeats in his own household. There was his affair with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband. Years later, his son, Amnon would rape his half-sister Tamar, and David would do nothing about it. His lack of disciplinary action resulted in Tamar’s brother, Absalom, avenging her rape by killing Amnon. David would prove to be a great king, but not always a great father. His refusal to punish Absalom for murdering his brother would come back to haunt him. Instead, he exiled his son, only to allow him to return at a later date, which led to Absalom’s attempt to lead a coup to displace his father as king.

David’s reign would be marked by courage, wisdom, and a willingness to serve God. But he would have his moments of self-inflicted pain and suffering because of his impulsiveness and pride. David was not a perfect man, but he was a godly man. He had a heart for God. He had a deep-seated desire to serve God. The one thing that set David apart from Saul and so many of the other kings of Israel was his heart of repentance. David failed regularly and sometimes, spectacularly, but he was always quick to repent. He desired to be in a right standing with God. He even invited God to investigate his heart and expose anything in it that might be offensive to God but oblivious to himself.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” – Psalm 139:23-24 NLT

This chapter is really a snapshot of the true beginning of David’s reign as king, and it chronicles his capture of the city of Jerusalem. The passage rather matter-of-factly states, “the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites” (2 Samuel 5:6 ESV). David was searching for a capital, a city from which to rule over his newly unified nation. For seven years, he had used Hebron in the south as his base of operations, but it would prove too distant from all the other tribes to make a good capital. Jerusalem was centrally located and was situated on a mountaintop surrounded by valleys, which made it easy to defend.

But there was something far more important about Jerusalem than its natural defensive capabilities; it was located on Mount Moriah. That is the same mountaintop on which God commanded Abraham to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice (Genesis 22). The city of Jerusalem itself has ties all the way back to Melchizedek, who was the king to which Abraham offered a tenth of his spoils taken in battle. The Genesis account lists Melchizedek as the king of Salem, which was to become the city of Jerusalem. The author of Hebrews would later compare Melchizedek with Jesus:

This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God. – Hebrews 7:1-3 NLT

The mountain range on which Jerusalem sits also includes the Mount of Olives, the very place from which Jesus ascended back into heaven after his death and resurrection. It is also the place to which He will return at His second coming. Another distinguishing fact about Mount Zion on which Jerusalem sits is that it includes the place of Jesus’ crucifixion: Mount Golgotha. The very location where Abraham was commanded to offer up his son Isaac would be the same place where God would offer up His one and only Son for the sins of the world.

Jerusalem had great significance, and it was to be David’s capital and eventually the home of the temple, built by David’s son, Solomon. Jerusalem would be where Jesus had His triumphal entry, as well as His trials. It was in Jerusalem that He would be condemned to death for claiming to be the Son of God. It would be outside the walls of Jerusalem, the city of peace, that Jesus would be hung on a cross and left to die. Jesus would one day weep over the city of Jerusalem, saying:

“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not accept your opportunity for salvation.” – Luke 19:43-44 NLT

David chose Jerusalem, “the city of peace,” to be his capital. But over the centuries, this city on a hill would experience its fair share of difficult and less-than-peaceful days. It would contain the temple of God, but many of its inhabitants would act as if God did not exist. Even in the days of Jesus, He would recognize that their love for God had waned and the days of God’s judgment were coming. But Jerusalem still holds a special place in the heart of God and it will be from the city of Jerusalem that the second David, the King of kings and Lord of lords will rule and reign when Christ sets up His earthly kingdom.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Christ, the King of Israel

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16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion.17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him. 

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. – Mark 15:16-32 ESV

Pilate reluctantly gave in to the pressure of the mob that had gathered outside his palace that morning. These people, who had been whipped into a frenzy by the members of the Sanhedrin, were demanding that Jesus be crucified. And they would settle for nothing less.

But Pilate knew that this entire situation was nothing more than a case of envy. He sensed that Jesus was innocent of any wrongdoing and that the Jewish religious leaders were trying to eliminate Him because they were jealous of His popularity. But any attempt he made to bring an end to this charade was met with derision and further demands for Jesus’ crucifixion. So, finally, Pilate gave in to the growing pressure, but not before absolving himself of any responsibility for the death of this innocent man.

So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” – Matthew 27:24 ESV

With the crowds cheering his decision, Pilate ordered Jesus to be scourged and then turned and walked away. As the people looked on, Jesus was stripped of His garment and subjected to the excruciatingly painful penalty of scourging. The victim’s hands were tied above His head to a pole, and then a Roman soldier would use a leather whip, called a flagrum or flagellum, and deliver a series of lashes across the victim’s exposed back. This whip was made of two or three leather strips knotted with pieces of bone and metal, and with each lash, it produced unbearable pain as it ripped open the flesh.

The violence Jesus endured should not be overlooked or dismissed. It was all part of God’s plan of redemption. The innocent Lamb of God was forced to endure the penalty for our sins. He had done nothing deserving of such treatment. But the prophet Isaiah described the pain Jesus would have to endure as the sacrificial Lamb of God.

he was pierced for our rebellion,
    crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
    He was whipped so we could be healed. – Isaiah 53:7 NLT

To the Roman guards, Jesus was just another Hebrew condemned to death. But they were intrigued by the nature of the charges brought against Him. This man had been accused of being the King of the Jews. And as they took in the sight of this disheveled and unimpressive Jew standing before them, they unleashed their shared hatred for the Hebrew people upon Him.

…they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” – Mark 15:17-18 ESV

Driven by their loathing of the Jews, these hardened soldiers mercilessly ridiculed Jesus, striking Him in the head with a reed, spitting in His face, and kneeling before Him in mock adulation. These foul-mouthed and sin-enslaved soldiers treated the King of kings and Lord of lords with sneering cynicism. And when they had finally grown tired of their mockery, they removed the purple robe and had Jesus put back on His outer garment. Then they led Him to the place of crucifixion.

It was common practice for the Romans to force the condemned to carry the crossbeam or patibulum for their own cross to the place of crucifixion. But it seems that Jesus, because of loss of blood or weakness, was unable to do bear the weight of this burden. So, an innocent bystander was conscripted from the crowd and forced to carry Jesus’ cross. Mark indicates that the man was named Simon of Cyrene. He was just one of the many foreign pilgrims who were in Jerusalem for the celebration of Passover. And yet, this unknown man was given the privilege of bearing the cross of the Son of God. In doing so, he unwittingly demonstrated the words of Jesus.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24 ESV

Once they arrived at the crucifixion site, a place called Golgotha, Jesus was stripped of His garments and nailed to the cross. He was offered wine mixed with myrrh, a concoction designed to numb the senses and alleviate pain, allowing the victim to endure the suffering of crucifixion for an extended period of time. But Jesus rejected this narcotic elixir, ensuring that He would have full access to His cognitive abilities while undergoing this horrific experience.

And Mark notes that as Jesus was hanging on the cross, the soldiers gambled over his outer garment. This entire scene is a visual fulfillment of Psalm 22, a Messianic psalm written by King David.

I am a worm and not a man.
    I am scorned and despised by all!
Everyone who sees me mocks me.
    They sneer and shake their heads, saying,
 “Is this the one who relies on the Lord?
    Then let the Lord save him!
If the Lord loves him so much,
    let the Lord rescue him!” – Psalm 22:6-8 NLT

My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
    an evil gang closes in on me.
    They have pierced my hands and feet.
I can count all my bones.
    My enemies stare at me and gloat.
They divide my garments among themselves
    and throw dice for my clothing. – Psalm 21:16-18 NLT

Jesus was fulfilling every aspect of Old Testament prophecy, down to the smallest detail. And even the Roman soldiers unknowingly played a significant role in acting out the divine drama that God had pre-ordained.

And as Jesus hung on the cross and the soldiers cast dice for HIs garment, a sign placed above His head declared the nature of His crime. Placed there by order of Pilate, the wooden plaque read: “The King of the Jews.”

Jesus was being put to death for being exactly who He had claimed to be. He had committed no crime but instead was being sacrificed to pay for the sins of others. The King was dying on behalf of His own people. He was giving His life so that they might receive new life in Him. David went on to describe the sacrificial and substitutionary nature of Jesus’ death.

Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!
    Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
    Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
    He has not turned his back on them,
    but has listened to their cries for help. – Psalm 22:23-24 NLT

But sadly, as Jesus hung dying on the cross, He did not hear shouts of praise or adoration. Instead, He heard the derisive cries of those who had come to witness His death.

“Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!” – Mark 15:29-30 NLT

Even the members of Sanhedrin took the opportunity to gloat over Jesus’ predicament, calling out, “He saved others…but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” (Mark 15:31-32 NLT).

Jesus could have come down from the cross. As the Son of God, He had the power to put a stop to the proceedings and call down a host of angels from heaven to wreak vengeance upon His accusers and executioners. But Jesus refused to do so because it would have been in violation of God’s will. It wasn’t that He couldn’t do it, but that He wouldn’t. He was out to deliver victory, not vengeance. He was determined to fulfill His Father’s will, not avoid it. He had come to give life, not take it.

And as Jesus fulfilled the will of His Father, He was mocked by the religious leaders, soldiers, bystanders, and even the two criminals being crucified on either side of Him. The very sinners for whom He was offering His life were ridiculing His efforts on their behalf. They mocked the Messiah. They sarcastically belittled the Savior. And yet He willingly remained on the cross, the Lamb for sinners slain. He was committed to carrying out His mission so that sinners might be restored to a right relationship with His Heavenly Father.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The Message (MSG)Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

Day 144 – Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37

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Down to the Last Detail.

Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37

These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of this bones will be broken,” and “They will look on the one they have pierced.” – John 19:36-37 NLT

The death of Jesus was a well-orchestrated event, planned by God Himself and implemented with divine precision and detail. Nothing was overlooked or left to chance. At no point in the proceedings was God ever out of control or having to hastily respond to the plans of men. From the moment of His birth, Jesus’ entire life was predetermined by God. Even the timing of His death was part of God’s plan. And every single event that surrounded His death, while chaotic in appearance, was methodically thought out and controlled by God. And it had all been predicted by God through His prophets, hundreds of years earlier. Isaiah, referring to the Messiah, wrote “He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave” (Isaiah 53:9 NLT). And we read in the Gospel accounts that Joseph of Arimethea, a rich man and member of the Jewish high council who had been secret follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for permission to take the body of Jesus for burial. Matthew tells us that Joseph placed the body of Jesus in his own newly carved tomb. God the Father was not going to allow His Son’s body to be placed in a common burial plot for criminals. He would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. The prophet Zechariah had written hundreds of years earlier, “They will look on me on whom they have pierced and mourn for him as an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died” (Zechariah 12:10 NLT). This was another Messianic prophecy, speaking of the one for whom the Israelites had long awaited. And we read in the book of John that the Roman guards, in an attempt to guarantee Jesus’ death, “pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out” (John 19:34 NLT). And because the Jewish religious leaders wanted the bodies of Jesus and the two criminals who were crucified along with Him taken down before the Sabbath, the Roman guards broke their legs to hasten their deaths. But because Jesus was already dead, His legs were left intact. This was in direct fulfillment of the words of David found in Psalm 34: “He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken” (Psalm 34:20 NET).

John tells us that “these things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures.” The death of Jesus had been predicted because it had been predetermined. It was all part of God’s divine plan for redeeming a lost and dying world. It was necessary in order for man’s guilt to be dealt with and God’s wrath to be satisfied. All of these things happened just as God had planned them to happen. And John tells us that what he wrote in his account was “from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also can believe” (John 19:35 NLT). There was method to the madness. There was a purpose behind it all. As gruesome and hideous as the death of Jesus was, it was necessary. It was the only way for God to deal with sin and still be able to save the sinner. Isaiah reminds us that Jesus “was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6 NLT). What Jesus suffered, God ordained. All so that we could be saved.

Father, what an incredible, amazing plan. I can’t even begin to understand it all. But the detail and the precision of it all is mind-blowing. This was not just some random act of violence or injustice. This was Your divine plan for man’s redemption being acted out in human history. Down to the last detail. Thank You! Amen.

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Day 141 – Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:24-32; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:18-27

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It Was Love.

Matthew 27:35-44; Mark 15:24-32; Luke 23:33-43; John 19:18-27

A Sign was fastened above Jesus’ head announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” – Matthew 27:37 NLT

Jesus was guilty. Yes, He was guilty of being the King of the Jews., and it was for that reason He was crucified. Over and over again in the Gospel accounts, that term is used to describe Jesus. It was the main point of questioning by Pilate. It was the one point of accusation to which He would respond when questioned. It was how Pilate presented Him to the people. It was why He was mocked by the Roman guards and what caused them to place a purple robe on His shoulders and a crown of thorns on His head. Pilate even went as far as to have it written on the piece of wood that was nailed to the cross above Jesus’ head, signifying His “crime.” Interestingly enough, the Jewish religious leaders tried to get Pilate to change the wording, asking him to have it changed to “He said, I am the King of the Jews.” But Pilate refused. As Jesus was being crucified, the leading priests and teachers of religious law stood at the foot of the cross, mocking Him. “He saved others,” they scoffed, “but he can’t save himself!” (Mark 15:31 NLT). They shouted, “Let this Messiah, this King of Israel, come down from the cross so we can see it and believe him!” (Mark 15:32 NLT).  Even one of the criminals who was being crucified next to Him scoffed, saying, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself – and us, too, while you’re at it!” (Luke 23:39 NLT).

And here’s the amazing thing: Jesus could have saved Himself. He could have come down off the cross and put an end to His own suffering. He could have dealt with His enemies in righteous indignation, giving them exactly what they deserved – the full wrath of a holy God. But instead, Jesus responded, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NLT). And He continued to allow Himself to be ridiculed and mocked. He continued to allow His life to ebb away, so that the very ones who were hurling abuse at Him might one day believe in Him and find forgiveness for their sins and a restored relationship with the Father. Yes, Jesus had the full capacity and power to come down off that cross, because He really was the King of the Jews and He really was the Son of God. He was divine, and yet He suffered and died. Why? What would possess Jesus to go through what He did? Why would He allow His own creation to mock and murder Him? I think the answer is found in the words of a song that I haven’t heard in quite some time. It expresses the reality of what held Jesus to that cross that day, and caused Him to give His life for you and for me. Read them slowly and think about them. Consider the significance of what they say. And then express your gratitude to Jesus for what He has done.

He could’ve called ten thousand angels
To deliver Him that day.
But He hung there in all His anguish
To prepare for me a way.

It wasn’t nails that held Him to the tree
Nor the angry crowd that cried crucify
For when Jesus died upon Calvary
It was love that held Him there.

Oh what love beyond all measure
That He gave His life for me
And I’m so glad that one day in glory
His Blessed Face I’ll see.

It wasn’t nails that held Him to the tree
Nor the angry crowd that cried crucify
For when Jesus died upon Calvary
It was love that held Him there.

Every day I’ll tell the story
Of His precious love for me
How He bled and died on Calvary
There to prove His love for me.

Jesus, You literally could have called ten thousand angels. You could have stopped the whole affair and decided that enough was enough. You could have turned Your full divine power against those who were crucifying You, and You would have been completely justified in Your actions. But instead, You remained faithful to Your Father’s plan, and You willingly sacrificed Your life for ours. It wasn’t nails that held you there. It wasn’t Roman guards who kept you on the cross. It wasn’t man-made laws or trumped-up charges that caused Your death. It was love. You died because You loved us. You died because Your Father loved us. It was love that held You there and I am forever grateful. Amen.

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org

Day 140 – Matthew 27:31-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-33; John 19:16-17

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Don’t Weep For Me.

Matthew 27:31-34; Mark 15:20-23; Luke 23:26-33; John 19:16-17

A large crowd followed behind, including many grief-stricken women. But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are coming…” – Luke 23:27-29 NLT

Luke is the only one of the gospel writers who includes this exchange between Jesus and the women who were following along as He bore His cross to the place of execution. As they walked along, they wept. They were shocked by the sequence of events that had unfolded over the last 24 hours. Here was their Messiah, beaten and bloody, the skin on His back flayed away down to the bones, being forced to carry a Roman cross on which He would be crucified. Their minds were filled with confusion. Their hearts were filled with sorrow. But Jesus, in the midst of all His pain and suffering, turns to them and tells them not to weep on His behalf. He warns them that their sorrow must be for all those who, in the future, end up rejecting Him. Because a day is coming when they will be judged for their refusal of the Messiah. Their rejection of their Savior will come back to haunt them. Jesus’ statement is very similar to His warning recorded by Matthew in his gospel account. At that time, Jesus had told His listeners that “the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14 NLT). He went on to warn them, “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!) Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again” (Matthew 24:15-21 NLT). Jesus had been talking about the great period of tribulation that is to come at the end of time. This literal seven-year period will take place immediately after the rapture of the Church. It is a time in which the Antichrist rises to power and in which he persecutes the Jewish people as they have never been persecuted before.

I believe Jesus is referring to this very period of time when He warns the women not to weep for Him, but to weep for themselves and their children. He tells them that days are coming when it will be best not to have children. In fact, it will be best to have never had a child. That’s how bad things are going to be. Jesus tells them, “For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:31 NLT). He seems to be referring to what will be Israel’s continuing spiritual withering and death. Jesus, the Son of God, was being put to death at a time when Israel was supposed to be worshiping God and keeping His commandments. They were still morally young and spiritually somewhat alive. But the day is coming when they will be withered and dry like the tree Jesus cursed along the side of the road because it lacked fruit. The fruitlessness and spiritual apathy of the people of Israel will one day reach a point where they will be punished by God. The great tribulation will be a difficult time for the people of Israel. But even in those days, God will not abandon them. Thousands will come to faith in Christ. God will miraculously defend them from their enemies and deliver them from the assaults of the Antichrist. And He will send His son once again, as a conquering King, who will set up His kingdom on earth in the city of Jerusalem.

As the women weeped for Jesus, they say this as the end. But Jesus wanted them to know that there was much more to come. In just a few short years, the city of Jerusalem and the Temple would both be destroyed by the Romans. Their whole sacrificial system would be done away with. But there would be even more to come. Jesus’ death was far from the end of the story. In a way, it was just the beginning. If tears were to be shed, they needed to be shed for all those who refuse to accept Jesus as their Savior. Judgment is inevitable. Rejection of the Messiah has serious consequences. What the Romans and the Jewish religious leaders were doing to Jesus was horrific and worthy of God’s judgment, but all those who reject the gift of His Son will also be worthy of His wrath and condemnation. It is for them that we should weep. It is to them we need to take the story of God’s great plan of redemption and reconciliation, made available through the sacrificial death of His Son.

Father, as horrible as the story of Your Son’s death is, how much more horrific is the reality that millions of people stand ready to fall under Your righteous judgment because they reject the reality of His death as payment for their sins. They snub Your gift and refuse to accept Your grace. Jesus died, but He rose again. He is alive and well, sitting at Your side and will one day return. But all those who have lived since He died and who have rejected Him will one day be judged by Him. And all those who refuse to accept His death as payment for their sins, will one day have to pay for their sins with their own lives. Give me an increasing burden and heart for those who have yet to hear and those who continue to refuse to listen. Show me how to weep for them as Your Son did for Jerusalem. Amen.

Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men
kenm@christchapelbc.org