Advent: the arrival of a notable person or event
Advent is the season leading up to Christmas. A time when Christians celebrate God coming to earth in human form (Jesus Christ) to save his people from their sins (1). An incredible act of love and humility (2).
The Humanity of Christ
Near the end of his earthly life, Jesus was hailed by people as a king as he entered Jerusalem. Yet as he approached the city, he wept (3).
Earlier, Jesus wept as he stood at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, who had recently died (4).
Jesus' weeping is a powerful example of his humanity. But the reasons why he wept may not be as apparent as you think.
For example, as he approached Jerusalem he wept not for himself even though he knew he would be tortured and crucified within the week.
As he stood by his friend's tomb, he wasn't weeping for Lazarus, for he knew that within minutes he would raise Lazarus from the dead! (5)
The Divinity of Christ
Jesus' tears reflect his humanity, but they also reflect his divinity. Throughout the Bible, God expresses grief over the condition of humanity. (6)
At the tomb, Jesus wept when he saw the people sobbing and grieving the death of Lazarus, and a deep anger welled up within him. (7) He wept because he was saddened by their pain and sorrow, but why was he angry? I believe he was angry at death and sin (8), which are the cause of suffering and grief. His response was to exercise his power over death by raising Lazarus.
Jesus also knew that many didn't understand, and some even rejected who he was and why he came. As Jesus approached Jerusalem weeping he said "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—". (9)
The Prince of Peace (10) was entering into their presence, but they knew it not despite his constant attempts throughout his life to explain it.
"—but now it is hidden from your eyes.", he continued, "The days will come upon you when your enemies will encircle you and...dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls...because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” (11)
Who Do You Say That I Am?
This is a question each of us must answer about Jesus Christ.
When Jesus asked his disciples that question, Peter correctly answered “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (12).
This advent, I urge you to reflect on the arrival of the 'Son of the living God', who came to rescue you from the power of sin and death. (13)
My prayer is that you will recognize the time of God's coming to you, before his weeping stops.
Footnotes
Advent is the season leading up to Christmas. A time when Christians celebrate God coming to earth in human form (Jesus Christ) to save his people from their sins (1). An incredible act of love and humility (2).
The Humanity of Christ
Near the end of his earthly life, Jesus was hailed by people as a king as he entered Jerusalem. Yet as he approached the city, he wept (3).
Earlier, Jesus wept as he stood at the tomb of his friend Lazarus, who had recently died (4).
Jesus' weeping is a powerful example of his humanity. But the reasons why he wept may not be as apparent as you think.
For example, as he approached Jerusalem he wept not for himself even though he knew he would be tortured and crucified within the week.
As he stood by his friend's tomb, he wasn't weeping for Lazarus, for he knew that within minutes he would raise Lazarus from the dead! (5)
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| 'And Jesus Wept' Statue at the national memorial for the bombing of a federal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. |
Jesus' tears reflect his humanity, but they also reflect his divinity. Throughout the Bible, God expresses grief over the condition of humanity. (6)
At the tomb, Jesus wept when he saw the people sobbing and grieving the death of Lazarus, and a deep anger welled up within him. (7) He wept because he was saddened by their pain and sorrow, but why was he angry? I believe he was angry at death and sin (8), which are the cause of suffering and grief. His response was to exercise his power over death by raising Lazarus.
Jesus also knew that many didn't understand, and some even rejected who he was and why he came. As Jesus approached Jerusalem weeping he said "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—". (9)
The Prince of Peace (10) was entering into their presence, but they knew it not despite his constant attempts throughout his life to explain it.
"—but now it is hidden from your eyes.", he continued, "The days will come upon you when your enemies will encircle you and...dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls...because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” (11)
Who Do You Say That I Am?
This is a question each of us must answer about Jesus Christ.
When Jesus asked his disciples that question, Peter correctly answered “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (12).
This advent, I urge you to reflect on the arrival of the 'Son of the living God', who came to rescue you from the power of sin and death. (13)
My prayer is that you will recognize the time of God's coming to you, before his weeping stops.
Footnotes
