A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then

“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!”
and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

Jesus broke so many barriers for His day: He touched lepers, He healed on the Sabbath, and He spoke to women in public. Jesus ignored traditions that were oppressive, and He stood up to the authorities who challenged Him. And now the women of Jerusalem show their gratitude by meeting Jesus along the way and crying over His fate. Earlier, Jesus prophesied that the women of Jerusalem would weep for Him, and now that prophecy is fulfilled.

Repeat these words as you reflect on our need for an atoning sacrifice:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on Me, A Sinner