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"Seeing Jesus Weep Over Jerusalem"
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem—a city where generations have placed their deepest hopes and dreams. In Luke’s Gospel (13:31-35), he laments while still on his way, whereas in Matthew (23:37-39), his lament comes after his arrival. Though Matthew’s placement follows a logical sequence, Luke’s version carries unique theological weight. In Luke, Jesus’ sorrow is not merely judgment but a call to repentance, emphasized by its placement after a series of parables (13:1-30) focused on repentance. Through this placement, Luke emphasizes that Jesus’ sorrow is not just over the city’s fate but also an urgent invitation for transformation and renewal
The city of Jerusalem holds a central place in Israel’s history and religious life. It is more than just the capital of Israel—it is the heart of their faith, the source of spiritual empowerment, and the birthplace of future hopes and fulfillment. For generations, Jerusalem has been the focal point of worship, longing, and divine encounter, shaping the identity and destiny of God’s people. Yet, we now witness Jesus weeping over Jerusalem, mourning the fate of the holy city. His tears reveal a deep sorrow, not just for the city itself, but for the people who have turned away from the path of peace and repentance. What did Jesus’ lament mean to those who heard it in his time? And what does his sorrow mean for us today, in our own society and world? A city is a place where all kinds of desires collide. It is where those in power dominate the powerless and where the vulnerable often find themselves in peril, struggling with insecurity and fear. Cities are meant to be places of flourishing, yet they can also be places of deep suffering and division.
I recently came across a powerful reflection, often attributed to Pope Francis, in a Facebook post: 'Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself, and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.' This wisdom beautifully reminds us how to live, how to love, what to focus on, and why it is important to dream of a city that embraces the spirit of mutual care. Life is richer when others are happy because of us. But do we see this in the city we live in today? If not, then Jesus’ lament is not just about Jerusalem—it is about the world we inhabit now. Our task, then, is to see Jesus weeping over the city we live in. To weep with him. To act with him. To embody his spirit of love, compassion, and justice.
Luke 13:31-35
March 16, 2025
Pastor Jinyong Choi
Join us Sunday at 9:30 in-person for Worship service or on-line later in the day.
Hymn Sing
Sunday, March 23 at 6:30 pm
Crane Beach Outing
March 30th
"Coins for Lent"
Holy Week & Easter Services
Palm Sunday & Confirmation Service
April 13 at 9:30 am
Music by Bell Choir
Mandy (Holy) Thursday Service
April 17 at 7:30 pm
Music by Adult Choir
Good Friday Service
April 18 at 7:30 pm
Music by Bell Choir
