“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken.” (Luke 13:34-35a, ESV)
Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem demonstrates a great truth: God is not angry with sinners. He loves them and would that they all come to faith and repentance. Jesus’ words served (and still serve) as a warning to those who reject Him despite the evidence of His authority in His miracles and teaching. The Pharisees, like their ancestors in Jeremiah’s day, were concerned with their authority, public image and position. Yet they and those who followed them were to experience the destruction of their nation, and loss of their identity because they rejected Jesus as the Messiah.
All those who reject Christ as their sacrifice for sin face eternal separation from God. This is why it is so sad when someone dies without faith in Christ. No matter how many awards, accolades and titles any person may receive for his or her talents, accomplishments, piety or acts of charity and kindness, he or she who does not have faith in Christ, who rejects His gift of salvation will go down to destruction. We must mourn for them as Jesus did.
As Christians we ought to preach the gospel at every opportunity so others will also come to faith in Jesus. the Lord desires that His followers be as loving and caring as He is. He wants us to lift burdens off of the oppressed and comfort those who are fearful and afflicted with doubt. He wants us to demonstrate to others the same love, mercy and compassion that has been shown us. Though some of the behaviors and attitudes of others may really bother us, let us all remember that none of us is perfect. We are all in need of forgiveness.