Open your Bible and partake in the divine exchange--your time and attention for God's supernatural impartation-->Luke 19.41-48

Luke's travel narrative ends here today in Jerusalem.

Good Morning.

'You heard about me a few days ago. . . I was he who was blind, until Jesus came by; my name is Bartimaeus. . . remember? From where I was begging near the gate outside Jericho, I could hear some commotion and cried out, "Who is it? What is happening?" Several shouted back, "It is the rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth, but you let him alone!" I answered, "Surely you jest, Man-----Jesus! Have mercy on me, Son of David, open my eyes so I can see!" Knowing what the Scriptures said about his coming, I knew that this Jesus was the Messiah. And then, He healed me. . . He told me my faith had made me well, and then I could see! Oh, there was never such a day as that one! Since then, everything about my life has changed--I have been following Him, traveling with Him and the others, and we are making our way to Jerusalem. (Luke 18.35. . .) I saw him call out to Zacchaeus, and I couldn't believe how Zacchaeus responded to Jesus. . . why, the tough-talkin' tax collector was gone, and a repentant man took his place!'

'Yesterday, I followed behind as we entered the city. Someone had brought a young donkey for Jesus to ride, and the people seeing Him coming threw their cloaks on the ground, making a sort of royal pathway for the Teacher. It was a holy moment, and I couldn't help myself, I yelled out, "Bless you, Jesus," while another yelled out, "and blessed be the God of Abraham who has done great things among the people!" A regular celebration broke out, but Jesus just quietly ambled along, looking from one person to another. It wasn't long before several Pharisees, (now I was able to see their colorful robes that set them apart), said, "Rabbi, tell your followers to stop praising you, and saying things that they are!" Jesus calmly stated, "If they keep quiet, the very rocks will cry out!" I can believe that too; it felt to me that all creation was poised to praise Him yesterday. Soon it all died down, and as the first buildings in Jerusalem came into view, Jesus began to weep. It pained me to look at His obvious sorrow. . . I was at a loss, but then He spoke, "How I wish today that you [Jerusalem] of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes." I guess the Pharisees had just spoke out what other Jewish leaders believed. . . Jesus was trouble for them. They had made the decision to reject him as Messiah. To make matters worse, Jesus gave five predictions about the coming demise of the City of David. This judgment, this pronouncement of His, the leaders were not going to tolerate, and they plotted against Him.' [and then, of course, it all came to pass 30+ years later, in 70 a.d., when the Romans crushed the city set on the hills--Jerusalem, city of our King]

'Walking through the city, I was amazed at the height of the walls, at the many buildings, the public pools. . . and then I spied the Temple--so big, so beautiful! As our band passed into the outer court, I was amazed at all the activity. Everywhere I looked, there were people selling things--no reverence, no quiet, just racket and chaos, people yelling, people bickering. And then, Jesus seemed to just explode into action Himself--turning over their tables, scattering their wares. . . "My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers!" Was this He who had said, "Blessed are the meek"? He was anything but meek, but I could understand His anger. Pilgrims traveled from all over Israel to sacrifice at the Temple, each needing an animal sacrifice--but first, they would have to exchange their currency, in order to trade. . . understandable yes, but many were seeking to profit from those who were trying to worship Jehovah! This ought not be so, and the business ought not be conducted on the temple grounds. Oy, what a day to be with Jesus! I saw Him weep over this city and its people that He loves, and then I saw Him galvinized to action to set things aright in His Father's House.'

'I found I could not tear my attention from the Messiah. His messages were compelling, the truths provocative--the likes of which I had never heard. He was at once moved to compassion and response, and then to stand firm. One touch from Jesus, and I am a testament that you are never the same! One word from Jesus, and lesser words fail to hit their mark, and deeds sown in kindness all have their root in His compassion. Who was this Jesus, King of Glory? For me, I had decided I would follow Him, wherever the road led. . . though the crowd tarried with me, or they all turned away.'

How about you, 21st-century traveler? His message is just as relevant, though we are required to use our eyes of faith more than the once-blind Bartimaeus. A relationship with Him is more vital to living than it was back then. . . don't you sense that? After all, what has greater meaning? Will you learn from His teaching, grow rich in the wisdom of His Word? Will you learn to practice love like He lived it? And just maybe the first step is to realize, like blind Bartimaeus did, that Jesus is passing by, and you want some of what He's got. . . like Bartimaeus, step a little closer to the Messiah, and let yourself be changed by Him.

For transformation,

Christine