The Way to Peace
True peace is not political or external, but personal and found only in Jesus Christ
SCRIPTURE:
Luke 19:41-42 NLT - But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.
OBSERVATION:
Not much has changed in 2,000 years. Humanity still searches for the “way to peace,” waiting for the right policy, program, or leader to bring it. For 2,000 years, the Way of Peace has stood before them, yet many still refuse to accept Him.
In Luke chapter 19, we see Jesus riding into Jerusalem during what is known as the triumphal entry. The very title of this event can cause people to misunderstand what Jesus was doing—just as many did in His day.
The people were searching for a leader, a king who could overthrow the Romans and restore Israel. However, Jesus was not coming to be king and conquer Rome—He came to be KING and conquer sin, a much greater enemy than Rome.
Jesus did not enter Jerusalem on a warhorse like a conquering general or victorious king. Instead, He rode on a donkey, a colt that had never been ridden before. The colt was a sign of royalty, for He is and always will be the Prince of Peace.
Luke 19:41-42 NLT - But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.
OBSERVATION:
Not much has changed in 2,000 years. Humanity still searches for the “way to peace,” waiting for the right policy, program, or leader to bring it. For 2,000 years, the Way of Peace has stood before them, yet many still refuse to accept Him.
In Luke chapter 19, we see Jesus riding into Jerusalem during what is known as the triumphal entry. The very title of this event can cause people to misunderstand what Jesus was doing—just as many did in His day.
The people were searching for a leader, a king who could overthrow the Romans and restore Israel. However, Jesus was not coming to be king and conquer Rome—He came to be KING and conquer sin, a much greater enemy than Rome.
Jesus did not enter Jerusalem on a warhorse like a conquering general or victorious king. Instead, He rode on a donkey, a colt that had never been ridden before. The colt was a sign of royalty, for He is and always will be the Prince of Peace.
This entry into Jerusalem has been termed the triumph of Christ. It was indeed the triumph of humility over pride and worldly grandeur; of poverty over affluence; and of meekness and gentleness over rage and malice. – Adam Clarke.
As Jesus entered as the Prince of Peace, ready to conquer sin and death and to claim His rightful place as King of kings, the people started singing songs of praise.
Luke 19:38 NLT - "Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!"
What could cause the crowd to shift from their exaltation and praise to shouts of “Crucify Him”?
APPLICATION:
We must be careful not to see Jesus just as someone who came to “fix” our society. Without His cross, grace and mercy wouldn’t exist. Without peace with God, there can be no peace from God. The goal is not to fix, but to save.
This, in my opinion, is what caused Jesus to weep—because the people did not recognize their need for salvation, but instead looked for a king to bring peace. This shift would cause the crowds to change their cries of Hosanna (“God save”) to “Crucify Him!” Yet, both were necessary to achieve the peace they truly desired.
Luke 19:38 NLT - "Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!"
What could cause the crowd to shift from their exaltation and praise to shouts of “Crucify Him”?
APPLICATION:
We must be careful not to see Jesus just as someone who came to “fix” our society. Without His cross, grace and mercy wouldn’t exist. Without peace with God, there can be no peace from God. The goal is not to fix, but to save.
This, in my opinion, is what caused Jesus to weep—because the people did not recognize their need for salvation, but instead looked for a king to bring peace. This shift would cause the crowds to change their cries of Hosanna (“God save”) to “Crucify Him!” Yet, both were necessary to achieve the peace they truly desired.
Wept might be rendered “wailed”; Jesus burst into sobbing as he lamented lost opportunity. – Leon L. Morris.
The cry was that of a frustrated desire. He had visited the city, with the desire to deliver it from the things of destruction; and with the offers of the things of peace. The spiritual blindness of the rulers and people was such that they did not discern the meaning of the visitation. The result was inevitable. There could be no escape from the destruction. – G. Campbell Morgan.
The cry was that of a frustrated desire. He had visited the city, with the desire to deliver it from the things of destruction; and with the offers of the things of peace. The spiritual blindness of the rulers and people was such that they did not discern the meaning of the visitation. The result was inevitable. There could be no escape from the destruction. – G. Campbell Morgan.
As we pray for peace in our world and for those around us today, let our words be the prayer of Jesus:
“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.”
The path to true peace has been cleared, made straight, and fully achieved through the cross of Jesus. The peace the world desires can only be found in Him. Let us pray that eyes will be opened and hearts will turn to Jesus to discover true, lasting peace—peace that only the Prince of Peace can provide.
Share the Good News: we can experience the peace of God because we have peace with God through Jesus Christ.
The warning is clear—a day will come when “it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.”
May our eyes be opened to the true peace that only Jesus Christ can bring.
PRAYER:
Jesus, as You prayed, I pray—“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.” As the world grows darker and more desperate for peace, may You shine brightly in me. May my life be a beacon, a lighthouse that warns of danger to come and points to the way of salvation.
“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.”
The path to true peace has been cleared, made straight, and fully achieved through the cross of Jesus. The peace the world desires can only be found in Him. Let us pray that eyes will be opened and hearts will turn to Jesus to discover true, lasting peace—peace that only the Prince of Peace can provide.
Share the Good News: we can experience the peace of God because we have peace with God through Jesus Christ.
The warning is clear—a day will come when “it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.”
May our eyes be opened to the true peace that only Jesus Christ can bring.
PRAYER:
Jesus, as You prayed, I pray—“How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace.” As the world grows darker and more desperate for peace, may You shine brightly in me. May my life be a beacon, a lighthouse that warns of danger to come and points to the way of salvation.
Lasting peace is not found in power or policy but in a Person—Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Posted in 03 - Luke
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