In the New Testament, Jesus cries twice. The first time Jesus weeps, it’s over the death of his friend Lazarus and the sinful state of the world that brings grief to people (John 11:35). The second time Jesus cries is here in Luke 19.

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Luke 19:41-44 (NIV)

Although the context of Jesus weeping here in Luke 19:41 deals with Jerusalem not acknowledging the coming of the Messiah they had been waiting for and its destruction later on. I see the heart of God here in the text.

Generally speaking, people who don’t believe in God aren’t concerned with what he thinks about them. This is why I am stumped when I see Atheists evangelizing against Christianity. If God isn’t real, then why preach against him? Those people, as I said, probably don’t think much about a “non-existent” being and what He thinks about them. However, I believe there are a lot of people who aren’t Christian and think that God thinks negatively about them.

I say this because I’ve heard people who don’t believe in God and aren’t Christians say things like, “God is angry with me,” and “That happened because I made God mad,” etc. Yet, I don’t think God is mad at Atheists or people who have not yet come to Christ and have a knowledge of the truth. First of all, Christ died for everyone. Let me say that again. Jesus Christ died for everyone who has and will ever exist. Specifically, He died for all sin so that anyone who believes in him would have eternal life and not die.

Although it is a very human response to do something for someone, and when they don’t acknowledge it or appreciate it, to then become angry and even have resentment, Jesus is not like that. That’s what we see in Luke 19:41-44.

People who reject God reject the one thing that will bring them peace, and often, the more someone rejects God, the harder their hearts become because God allows them to walk in their unbelief. Hence, salvation becomes “hidden” from them (v. 42). Romans 6:23 informs us that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (NIV). That’s what we see in verse 43. Sin begets sin, and the more a person is in the world, the more sinful they become. Eventually, it’s almost impossible to see the truth. Verse 44 reveals the merciless nature of sin and its consequences. We also see why this sorrowful state had to happen. When the unbelievers had the chance to embrace God, they didn’t because they didn’t recognize him as God.

So, God isn’t angry with people who reject him. No, I believe Luke 19:41 reveals that God is saddened by those who reject him. If you do not yet know the Lord, then pray this prayer with me to accept eternal salvation.

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.