This message will explore the first of two types of tears we see in Jesus as He enters Jerusalem, the tears of mercy. In these tears, we see our God moved by mercy over the plight of a world that needs God but often will not turn to God.
Luke 19:28-42; Matthew 23:37-39
Sermon Outline
“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it.” (Luke 19:41)
Three Reasons Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem
- Jesus weeps because God’s invitation to true peace is ignored (Luke 19:42)
- Jesus weeps because God’s coming in Christ is not recognized (Luke 19:44b)
- Jesus weeps because destruction is coming (Luke 19:43-44a)
The Reason Behind the Reasons for Jesus’ Tears: The Mercy of God
- Jesus’ tears as divine mercy for a sin-touched world
- Jesus’ tears as divine mercy for blinded people
- Jesus’ tears as a fully human response to God’s mercy
Living with Jesus’ Tears of Mercy
- Encountering the mercy of God for ourselves
- Encountering the mercy of God for others
- Encountering the mercy of God for the world
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- When have you been moved to sadness or tears because someone you love has made difficult or poor decisions?
- This week we continue our sermon series for Lent entitled “The Tears of Jesus.” This week we look at Jesus’ tears of mercy in Luke 19:28-44 and Matthew 23:37-39. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer and then read Luke 19:28-44 aloud.
- Today’s passage begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Luke 19:28-40. How would you summarize what happens in this portion of the story?
- What do you think it would have been like to be part of the crowd at this important event?
- Based on what you read in Luke 19:41-44, why would you say Jesus weeps as He approaches and sees the city of Jerusalem?
- Now consider Jesus’ tears in Luke 19:41 in connection with what we see about Jesus in Matthew 9:36 and 14:14. How would you describes Jesus’ heart and tears in light of these verses?
- Many Bible scholars also see echoes of the prophet Jeremiah in Jesus’ tears near Jerusalem. Read Jeremiah 9:1 and 14:17. How might Jeremiah’s tears help us under- stand Jesus’ tears?
- Now read Matthew 23:37-39. What does this tell you about the mercy of God revealed in Jesus?
- What is one thing you sense God calling to your attention personally through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.
DIG DEEPER
Exploring Faith:
- As you consider Christianity, do you agree with the biblical truth that all human beings need mercy before God? How does this compare to other belief systems you’ve explored?
- What does it mean to you that the God of the Bible wants to show mercy to us as human beings?
Growing in Faith
- Take time this week to reflect further on the tears of Jesus in Luke 19:41 and the theme of Matthew 23:37-39. How does this deepen your understanding of God’s mercy for you?
- Is there a particular area of your life you believe could drive Jesus to weep over as He did for those in Jerusalem? How might you surrender this to Him?
Centered in Faith
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Who do you sense God calling you to share your faith with as an overflow of God’s mercy to you? Pray for them. Intentionally look for opportunities to share your faith with them.