Part-3 In Luke as in the Prophets, the city of Jerusalem is personified. In Yeshua's lament, Jerusalem is just a symbolic representation of the people of Israel, but in a larger sense, He is weeping for the of all of humanity. It is the centre of opposition to Baliraja, but also at the centre of God’s salvific purposes for all people. In the sequel to Luke, the Acts of the Apostles, it is from Jerusalem that the good news will go out to “the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). So it is that Yeshua, knowing the opposition that lies before him, nevertheless remains undeterred in His mission, entering boldly into the temple and clearing out the vendors, then teaching in the temple every day until his arrest. Luke’s passion story records a variety of human responses to Yeshua—from faith and jubilant praise to mockery, hostility and violence. Yet throughout this story of vacillating human responses, of human blindness, weakness, and hardness of heart, one thing remains constant: God’s will to show mercy and to save. Without jumping ahead to the end of the story just yet, we can affirm that even in the midst of this human tragedy, God is at work for good. Why does Luke downplay the political significance of Yeshua's final trip to Jerusalem??The answer may lie in Luke 19:38, “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” This is a clear echo of the glorification by angels in Luke 2:14. In contrast to the other gospels, Luke presents a Baliraja who represents peace for all humankind and the entire creation. Was this an attempt on His part to disassociate Yeshua from the enemies of Israel?? Is it a tacit acknowledgement that acting on behalf of freedom is a dangerous thing?? I doubt any of us will ever know. All of us are ambiguous characters. In fact, it is precisely at the edges of existence where we encounter God the strongest. Have a spirit filled day ahead!! My prayers, love, blessings and healing remains with you!! #faith #scripture #bibleverse -Ends-