As a mother sobs over a distant or rebellious child, Jesus weeps for His children who deny Him as King. Luke records Jesus’ lamenting over the lost, “How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing” (Luke 13:35, ESV, emphasis added)! Jesus mourns the fate of Jerusalem, a fate that also applies to all of Israel.
As we enter Mother’s Day weekend, some moms, unfortunately, can relate to mourning a distant child. It can be a day of bittersweet hope. Like the Prodigal Son, we grieve for the one and anticipate celebrating their homecoming, whether in this life or the next. I grew up as the youngest of five children in a conservative home that seemed normal to me. It wasn’t until I peered back through the glass of my past, in a season of healing, that I realized why I became a people-pleaser, a tendency that led to some of my darkest days.
Granted, there may be other reasons, but one major factor was witnessing firsthand what happens to a mother’s heart and spirit when a child denies their ties. The unspoken grieving in our home, and the rejection and discord stemming from behavior deemed unsuitable, not only caused heartache but also division as deep as the Grand Canyon. Grace is the only bridge that can span that canyon.
As the youngest child, I knew I didn’t want to cross that line—a line that felt unbearably irrevocable. Still, I had my teenage moments of rebellion and the unpleasant attitude that seems to come naturally with your fourteenth birthday. I am talking more about the later years, when you recognize how hurtful your actions can be to a parent. Hello, people-pleaser. Mind you, I didn’t escape the ungodly behavior, but I got very good at hiding secrets—an anxious misery I do not recommend. The masquerade party gets old quickly.
On the other hand, what a blessing it is to have a loving relationship with your child through both good and bad times. Open communication is critical. Just as Jesus laments over those who do not call on Him, He welcomes all who do. Because of Jerusalem’s resistance to God, its house (the temple) was desolate. Jesus says that if the lost want to see Him properly, they must greet Him with these words, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord” (Ps. 118:26)!
Until recently, I didn’t realize that Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). Jesus still feels deep sorrow over rejection, clearly reflecting the heart of God the Father over His children.
When the disciples praised Jesus during His triumphant entry, some Pharisees tried to suppress their joy by rebuking them and asking Jesus to silence them. Jesus proclaimed that if they stopped praising, the very stones would cry out, because all creation was made to worship the King who is Lord of all (Luke 19:40).
It is impossible to be silent when Jesus comes into your life.
In reflection, put yourself in the story. Would you shout praises as Jesus rides by, or be one who silently rejects Him?
There was a time in my life when I was silent, but thankfully, by the grace of God, I now shout His praises from the rooftops for rescuing me and loving me even in the darkest places of my past. When others divide, God unites. He waits with open arms—no matter what we’ve done. As our pastor recently reminded us, no sin is beyond the reach of God’s grace. His grace is always greater. He longs for a relationship with each of His children.
While His arms are open wide, the way to Him is specific—it is through the narrow door of a personal relationship. “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24). Coming to Jesus requires repentance and faith (Luke 13:24). Fellowship with other saved people will not guarantee eternal salvation, which comes only through personal faith in Christ. There will come a time when the opportunity to trust in Christ will be taken away. Still, Jesus promises to receive everyone who comes to him and trusts him for salvation (John 6:38).
Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. 