O Jerusalem, Jerusalem // Matthew 21:37-39

As Jesus comes nearer to his suffering and death, he looks upon Jerusalem and mourns. He knows their history of rejecting the prophets; in spite of this, he draws near to his own rejection. He has desired their protection, even though they have not been willing to receive it. And though he gives a word of judgment, he opens a way of hope and blessing, that they welcome him as the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Jesus knows how we have rejected him; he desires to shelter us and to be our refuge; and he declares a way of hope to the desolate: that we welcome him as the Christ.