Blindness in Jerusalem
Scripture Reading — Psalm 122; Luke 19:28-44
If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.
The disciples could not withhold their praise of Jesus as he entered Jerusalem, for they had seen his mighty works. They had heard his amazing teaching and had seen many miracles, from Jesus’ walking on water and quieting a storm to his many healings and even raising people from the dead. And as Psalm 122 says, just going to Jerusalem and to seek its peace at the house of the Lord was a reason for praise and joy.
But not everyone saw things the same way. The religious leaders complained about the disciples’ raucous praise of Jesus. You’d think these teachers of God’s Word would respond to Jesus’ work with enthusiasm, as did his disciples and so many others. But they had been looking for a political messiah, so they rejected him—and now the truth that would bring peace was hidden from their eyes. Unlike the blind man who received sight, Jerusalem had lost its ability to see.
Blind Jerusalem was looking for the wrong solution to their problems. They weren’t looking for someone who would save them from their sins. They wanted someone who would save them from the tyranny of the Romans who ruled over them.
The peace of Jerusalem—and true peace for each of us—can come only from Jesus, the King over all things, who laid down his life so that all who would believe in him could live. Do you believe in him?
I’ve heard the good news, Lord. Help me to see you clearly each day and believe in you as Savior, Lord, and King. Amen.
About the author — Arie C. Leder
Dr. Arie C. Leder is the Martin J. Wyngaarden Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously served as pastor at Ebenezer Christian Reformed Church, Trenton, Ontario, and with Christian Reformed World Missions in Latin America. He teaches courses on the Pentateuch and on historical books of the Old Testament.
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