The Bible records that Jesus cried in public twice. The first was over the death of Lazarus and the second was in Luke 19. As Jesus approaches the city of Jerusalem, He is moved to merciful tears knowing that the shouts of “Hosanna!” will soon turn to shouts of “Crucify Him!”

Although He is sovereign over what is to come, He feels the weight of the moment, and cries for those who lack the understanding of the moment. As He has compassion on those who do not see God’s plan for salvation unfolding in front of them, we, too, should have love and mercy toward those who don’t know Him. Are your friends going to come to know Jesus because you proved their beliefs were wrong? Consider this: When Jesus had risen from the dead, He could have shown up in Pilate’s bedroom, hands in the air, like BAM! “Guess I AM the Son of God?!” Jesus was not full of anger toward those who did not know the truth, but He wept for the hardened hearts in Jerusalem as they fulfilled His sovereign plans.

• Do you find yourself angry and frustrated by those who don’t know Jesus?
• How does recognizing that God is in control help you to love those who may disagree or persecute you?