Read: Luke 19:29-44
Jesus’ disciples have just come from one of the most miraculous events in their time with Jesus. He had raised their friend Lazarus from the dead the week prior. As a result, their group had increased in number and intensity. Entering the city of Jerusalem, they were at the pinnacle of their experience with Jesus. They must have shared in some of the glory that Jesus was receiving.
The people lined the streets shouting, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” This angered the religious leaders and they rebuked Jesus, but He responded by telling them that even if the people hadn’t recognized His glory, the stones themselves would declare His praises.
Jesus is referring to the stones in the temple. Created on the third day, they were present to watch the sun, moon, and stars come into existence. They were there when God created the birds of the air, the fish in the sea, and all of the living creatures on the earth. They were there on the seventh day when God rested and now they were honored to be used to build the Temple. These stones were special, but in the very next breath Jesus weeps over Jerusalem and declares that these very stones will be torn down. In the midst of one of the most spectacular moments of worship, there is a looming shadow of things to come.
The stones were not the only thing that would be torn down. The disciples will be put through a gruesome test and they would fail. All of Jesus’ followers will be scattered. These stones might have been better equipped to recognize their creator, but even they wouldn’t be able to withstand the troubles that were coming.
As the image bearers of God, we have to guard against our own hearts being hardened, seeking to be worshipped rather than worshipping God. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit and our spirit recognizes the glory of Christ in a way that stones will never understand.
Worship Jesus today as you pray.