All the People Were Spellbound by What They Heard

This meditation is based on a passage for November 27, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 19:41-48

Reflection and Question: Here, Jesus enters Jerusalem just before the Passover and begins teaching, preaching and engaging the leaders of the people. That the chief priests and scribes become upset makes sense. Jesus prophesies that enemies will crush the people and destroy the Temple of God. And He drives those who are selling things on the Temple grounds out, calling them thieves. The leaders hate all this, but Luke reports that the people are “spellbound.” It is this interest of the people that protected Jesus as His ministry reached its climax. What in Jesus’ preaching leaves you spellbound?

Prayer: Jesus, our Teacher, You cry out about us, “If you had only recognized the things that make for peace!” And You acknowledged that they are hidden from our eyes. Show us, in Your mercy, that which makes for peace. Open our eyes to them. Amen.