Devotion - Wednesday of Holy Week

When Jesus enters Jerusalem, he knows what awaits him. He had told the disciples. Peter had spoken out against this.

And yet, he has compassion for the city and for its inhabitants. In Matthew 23:37 he acknowledges the city for what it is. He says, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!" It isn't only he who fares badly here. But this does not reduce his love, his concern, his compassion. He goes on to say, "How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"

Jesus knows how Jerusalem treats those whom God sends. He realizes how they will treat him. And yet he is overcome with compassion and care for them.

During our bible study last night we spoke of Jesus as the one who conquers by refusing to enter the fight. He overcomes evil and hatred by not allowing evil and hatred to rule his life. Following Jesus means doing the same in our lives. It means never allowing our enemies to pull us into their ways. Jesus dies because he would not call forth the legions to fight on his behalf.

Before we turn to the introspective days of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, today gives us the opportunity to think of Jesus' mission. And to compare his mission with our own life path. Telling others of his life and death is surely part of what it means to be a follower - but so is living as he lived. Surely it involves the same sort of refusal to accept a world in which hatred and murder are tolerated.