“Thy King Cometh”
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their rejection of His salvation, would also lead them to refuse sub-
mission to the invading armies. He beheld Calvary, on which He was
to be lifted up, set with crosses as thickly as forest trees. He saw the
wretched inhabitants suffering torture on the rack and by crucifixion,
the beautiful palaces destroyed, the temple in ruins, and of its massive
walls not one stone left upon another, while the city was plowed like
a field. Well might the Saviour weep in agony in view of that fearful
scene.
Jerusalem had been the child of His care, and as a tender father
mourns over a wayward son, so Jesus wept over the beloved city. How
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can I give thee up? How can I see thee devoted to destruction? Must
I let thee go to fill up the cup of thine iniquity? One soul is of such
value that, in comparison with it, worlds sink into insignificance; but
here was a whole nation to be lost. When the fast westering sun should
pass from sight in the heavens, Jerusalem’s day of grace would be
ended. While the procession was halting on the brow of Olivet, it was
not yet too late for Jerusalem to repent. The angel of mercy was then
folding her wings to step down from the golden throne to give place
to justice and swift-coming judgment. But Christ’s great heart of love
still pleaded for Jerusalem, that had scorned His mercies, despised
His warnings, and was about to imbrue her hands in His blood. If
Jerusalem would but repent, it was not yet too late. While the last
rays of the setting sun were lingering on temple, tower, and pinnacle,
would not some good angel lead her to the Saviour’s love, and avert her
doom? Beautiful and unholy city, that had stoned the prophets, that had
rejected the Son of God, that was locking herself by her impenitence
in fetters of bondage,—her day of mercy was almost spent!
Yet again the Spirit of God speaks to Jerusalem. Before the day
is done, another testimony is borne to Christ. The voice of witness is
lifted up, responding to the call from a prophetic past. If Jerusalem
will hear the call, if she will receive the Saviour who is entering her
gates, she may yet be saved.
Reports have reached the rulers in Jerusalem that Jesus is ap-
proaching the city with a great concourse of people. But they have
no welcome for the Son of God. In fear they go out to meet Him,
hoping to disperse the throng. As the procession is about to descend
the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by the rulers. They inquire the
cause of the tumultuous rejoicing. As they question, “Who is this?”