The Rejection of Jesus

We've been looking at the story of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. Remember the parable Jesus told before he got on that donkey?

Luke 19:26-27"He replied, 'I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them-bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"

Here is a solemn end to the parable given just before Jesus entry to Jerusalem. Jesus says that if you act on the small amount of light you have, you will be given more. But if you reject the light you have, even what you think you know will be taken from you. Jesus predicted that rather than be embraced by the people that should embrace him. He wall be rejected by the same.

Here Jesus states that those who reject them are worthy of punishment. Now you wouldn't punish a blind man for walking into a wall would you? No! Jesus sees the rejection of Messiah as a blameworthy thing--a chosen thing--a will full rejection.


The Consequences of Rejection of the Son
Jesus weeps over the fate of Jerusalem.

Luke 19:41-44 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

It was so ironic. Jerusalem means to "see peace", but yet Israel would not acknowledge the prince of peace. They would not acknowledge him who could bring peace with God. And because of this, Jesus foresees the destruction of Jerusalem. Which in fact did happen in 70 AD.

The judgment of God makes Jesus weep. A parallel passage sheds more light.

Luke 13:34-35"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!
NIV

Does the fate of those who reject Jesus make you weep? Is there an urgency in your heart , knowing that now is the time of salvation. Night is coming when no man can work ?