I want you to picture the scene when Jesus is about to enter into Jerusalem for the last time. This is found in Luke 19:41-44.
Jesus is not going into Jerusalem alone. He is with His disciples and many other pilgrims who have taken the long journey from Galilee to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. Nearing the city, their route descends the west slope of the Mount of Olives, and they will cross the Kidron Valley and then climb into the city, to the temple. As they approach the city, Jesus instructs His disciples to borrow a donkey for Him to ride on. And this is not because He is tired from the long journey. But they all see the symbolic meaning of this, recalling what was written in Zechariah 9:9, which says “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” So they set the stage for the triumphal return of a victorious king. The road is lined with cloaks and palm fronds, and people greet Jesus as He passes by with their Hosanna chorus, as if celebrating the arrival of the Messiah.(https://www.bibleref.com/Luke/19/Luke-19-41.html)
But wait, as the walls of Jerusalem come into view, Jesus stops, takes in the view of the city and He is overcome with emotion, and cannot hold back his tears. He knows that in a few days, He shall meet His executioners and be crucified. But He is saddened not because of this pending crucifixion, but He is sad for Jerusalem, because though they had an opportunity to recognize the Messiah in Him, they refused to acknowledge this and would not believe.
The people of Jerusalem led by the Pharisees have missed out on the great blessing that they could have received if only they shared in the joy of the coming of the Messiah. And with tears in His eyes, Jesus sees into the future, and proclaims the sad news that Jerusalem will soon be totally destroyed by their enemies leading to the destruction of the temple and the death of many. Jesus is full of grief for all of them.
My dear brothers and sisters, we see here the compassionate love that Jesus has for all of us. He has come to offer peace and forgiveness, gives everyone an opportunity to be right with God, and to once again be blessed by His goodness and abundant love, because He has paid for our sins.
Now, wait, I assume YOU have accepted the offer of Jesus for the inheritance of the Kingdom, I hope. And that you have already surrendered your life and already placed it under the Lordship of Jesus. If so, I praise and thank God for all of you.
But, if you have not yet accepted the offer of Jesus, I pray that you would come to that decision soon, and begin to enjoy the fullness of life that Jesus prepared.
For today, though, I hope you don’t mind that I will not dwell on that invitation of Jesus in this reflection. Instead, let me focus on the frustration and grief that you and I would feel, just like Jesus did, when someone we love doesn’t do the good thing that we sincerely think will benefit them. Think of those times when you’ve had hopes and dreams for someone you love (say, a family member), or someone you serve (your advocacy). Yet they don’t appreciate whatever it is that you think is good for them, and instead they would rather do something else. Or maybe you recommend a course of action for someone who seems to be going about it the wrong way. And yet, they don’t see things the way you do, and they continue to go about doing things in their own way, and you know it will just lead into disastrous consequences. This saddens you, and you feel bad that they are making the wrong decision, and you can just see that bad place they would most likely end up in because of this.
Doesn’t that feel deeply frustrating, disappointing, or even painful? Sometimes we feel the rejection as a personal rejection, and maybe sometimes we begin to doubt our own wisdom or care, even though we believe we only have nothing but love for them.
When this happens, what are we to do? How are we to respond?
Well, my friends, there are no easy answers actually because there are many variants to this problem, depending on the relationship you have with the people you care for, or on any underlying authority that you may or may not have over them, and so on. But allow me to share with you a few general guidelines that hopefully will help us, based on how we see Jesus respond to His adversaries.
First of all, just because people don’t appreciate it, don’t withhold the good that you would be doing or have intended to do anyway. Keep on doing the good that you have been called to do. We see in the story of today’s gospel that even though the people of Jerusalem were hardhearted, Jesus continued anyway, and proceeded to take up His cross and die for all. So, friends, always check your motive, and make sure that it is genuine, authentic love that is in your heart.
Secondly, if there is any sin involved, condemn the sin, but not the sinner. This is easier said than done, but you need to express your feelings and perspective lovingly. Remind them about your genuine love and care for them, and that your advice comes from a place of love and compassion. Demonstrate this love by being patient, and support them with your presence. Remember. Jesus dined with sinners. If they have to learn the lesson the hard way through the bad consequences of their choices, don’t impede the learning process. Just be there for them, whether they succeed or stumble. Remember the story of the Prodigal Son.
Thirdly, if the person involved is a child under your supervision and care, then ask God for wisdom on how to become the effective parent that you should be. Seek counsel if necessary, on how to handle the situation with authority and with love. In all cases, whether you’re dealing with immature adolescents or senior adults, continue to pray for them, asking God to guide them and give them wisdom. Trust that God is working in their life, even if you don’t ever get to see the good results yourself.
Ultimately, it’s about combining truth with love, and trusting God to continue working in their lives even when you would not see the fruit at the time and in the form that you envisioned. Let love conquer all.
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