κήρυξον τὸν λόγον

[Introduction] Today we are on the road with Jesus, traveling from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem. It’s a short walk ... not quite a mile ... to the temple. The city’s population is swelling because Passover is near. And with Jesus in sight, the people begin rejoicing and praising God, waving palm branches and spreading their cloaks on the path in front of him. They’re rolling out a red carpet, so to speak. Their refrain ... Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord ... is echoing. Meanwhile, the magnificent white, marble temple that’s overlaid with gold, is shimmering in the sunlight (vv 36-38).  Yet right in the middle of this chorus of praise, Jesus pauses, looks up, sees the city and temple and ... he weeps, saying, If you knew on this day, even you, the things that bring peace . But now, [that which brings peace] is hidden from your eyes because the days will come upon you when your enemies will encircle you, and barricade you, and surround you, and confine...

The word for our meditation today comes to us from the Gospel reading, where we read: And as [Jesus] drew near, having seen the city, he wept over her, saying that if you, even you, knew on this day the things (that bring) peace! (vv 41-42a) Please open your service book to page 321 and join me in confessing our faithful doctrine on the Third Commandment.  What is the Third Commandment? Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy . What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it . Then we will know the things that bring peace. 4. Our Lord weeps for those who don’t know peace. There were two occasions during his earthly ministry when Jesus wept. The first time, you should know, was at the death of Lazarus (Jn 11:35). There, he quietly shed tears.  Today Luke recounts for us the second time Jesus wept. He writes, And as [Jesus] drew near, having seen the city, he wept over her. ...

Let us pray: Cleanse us, O Savior, from everything that would separate us from the things that bring us peace. Open our hearts, minds, and ears to your Word. Enable us to hang on your every Word so that you may achieve the purpose for which you sent it: the forgiveness of all sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  The Lord be with you. Everytime we meet, whether it is here in the sanctuary for the Divine Service or in the fellowship hall for Bible study, you hear me say these words: The Lord be with you. They are important words for all of us to hear as often as we can.  The Lord be with you. Have you ever thought about what those words really mean and why your pastors greet you this way? The Lord be with you (2 Th 3:16) is a Word of peace. When the Lord is with you, you have peace ... or as the Hebrews might say ... you have שָׁלוֹם ... which is an even better word for peace ... God’s word of peace. This peace is not just wishful thinking. It is not just platitudes to start your day ...