When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
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.’ (Luke 19:41-42)
It’s a day of celebration! The King is entering Jerusalem. Hundreds of thousands of people are gathered. They are calling out… “Hosanna, Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord (Luke 19:38).” The people are throwing their cloaks on the road before Christ in honor to Him. They are humbled at the King’s presence. They lay down their palm branches and the King enters on a donkey. The prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 is fulfilled. The moment is filled with jubilation. It’s a moment that we continue to celebrate and call Palm Sunday! I can’t begin to imagine what that day was like.
Yet, one thing leaves my heart feeling kind of heavy. Here is a day filled with excitement. A day filled with people rejoicing and celebrating! A day where most people are wearing smiles on their faces. Yet, there is one who is weeping. One who rides in, somber as can be. Yes, Scripture says that Jesus saw Jerusalem and wept over it. This grieves my heart! The Savior knew what Jerusalem was missing. He knew what this day meant. Yes, today they would rejoice at the fulfillment of a prophecy, but in just five short days… They would cry, “Crucify Him!” They would turn their backs on the One they just moments earlier celebrated!