The Broken-Hearted Jesus

“The Broken-Hearted Jesus”

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What do you picture the face of Jesus looking like? Do you picture Jesus as always serene, calm, and unemotional?

The painting that has become the basis for the visualization of Jesus for hundreds of millions of people is called, “The head of Christ” and it was painted by Warner Sallman in 1940.

Take a look at the picture on the screen.

Most of us have seen this picture in some antique store, or maybe on your grandparent’s wall. This is the most popular painting of Jesus ever painted; it has been reproduced over 1 billion times.

In this painting Jesus seems so serene, looking off to the side with an upward gaze. His brown hair flowing over his shoulders, his radiant face is sun-tanned, his lips are closed, there’s no emotion showing. This is the Jesus we often see in pictures; but it is not the Jesus we meet in the gospels!

In the verses we read this morning we see a very passionate Savior, a heartbroken Savior who is displaying intense emotions over the people of Jerusalem.

When Jesus rejoiced, as he did when the 72 came back from their first preaching trip, he rejoiced with great joy.

When Jesus was angry, at the salesman ripping people off in the Temple, he was filled with righteous indignation and drove them out.

When Jesus grieved, as he was at the tomb of Lazarus, he grieved with the family.

When Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, the book of Hebrews tells us he prayed with loud cries and tears.

No one lived a more passionate, emotional life than the Lord Jesus Christ. He did not go through life unmoved, cold, and unemotional; He had a heart full of love, passion, joy and grief. Jesus was a dynamic person in every way! The painting, “The Head of Christ” and the portrait that Luke paints in these verses are very different. As we look at Jesus in these verses and see him weeping over Jerusalem we have a window into Jesus soul.

As we look at this portrait of Jesus we see first of all that Jesus was:

1. Bold in the Face of Threats.

V:31.

On the same day that Jesus had preached about the narrow door to eternal life. Some Pharisees came to give Jesus a warning. They come and tell Jesus, V:31- you need to get out of here Herod wants to kill you. This was a serious threat, Herod had already killed John the Baptist.

No doubt Herod had heard about the large crowds that were following Jesus, and as insecure as he was he was threatened by Jesus. It is not surprising that Herod would make death threats against Jesus.

But it’s hard to believe that the Pharisees really cared if Herod killed Jesus are not. They wanted Jesus dead themselves! They were already plotting and planning to kill him. So why would they warn him about Herod wanting to kill him, that would be glad if Herod killed him.

What were the Pharisees real motives? How did they know that Herod wanted to kill Jesus, had they been talking to Herod? Yes, Jesus tells them go back and tell Herod…they were in communication.

Herod was using the Pharisees to intimidate Jesus, he really didn’t need another murder on his hands. Herod was trying to get Jesus to leave Galilee, and go to Jerusalem where the Pharisees had their Sanhedrin and they could arrest and condemned Jesus, which is what they were planning on doing.

The temptation was for Jesus to save his own live rather than finishing the work of saving sinners.

But Jesus did not hesitate for a moment, but with great boldness he faced the threats against him.

The Pharisees as a whole detested Jesus, they despised Jesus, and they rejected Jesus.

They dogged his trail, criticizing and attacking him every opportunity they got. Jesus said he must go to Jerusalem where he would be rejected by the chief priest and the rulers of the people, and be killed. The Pharisees were the real threat to the Lord Jesus! But Jesus is bold in the face of the threats from the Pharisees and Herod.

Notice Luke says in, V:31, that certain, some of the Pharisees came to Jesus saying…

That implies that not all of the Pharisees were trying to kill Jesus.

The Pharisees… think about all the trouble Jesus had with the Pharisees!

Although the Pharisees despised Jesus, rejected Jesus, and plotted to kill Jesus, Jesus doesn’t quit trying to reach the Pharisees.

Let your eyes drop-down to 14:1-“And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread.

Jesus is the most gracious, loving man that ever walked this earth! Oh what a Savior is the Lord Jesus. Be honest, most of us if we were rejected, and treated like Jesus was treated by the Pharisees, we would be done with them! I would say, I am done with the Pharisees, I don’t want to see another Pharisee, I will never speak to the Pharisee, I’m washing my hands of the Pharisees.

We are tempted to treat people like this, when they reject us, are the gospel.

But who took Jesus body down off the Cross after he died! A Pharisee name Joseph of Arimathea, came to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus? Joseph of Arimathea, one of the Council; a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin!

Jesus is always looking for the Joseph’s; Jesus understood that the majority of the Pharisees rejected him, but there were some, like Joseph who would hear him, and turn to him and be saved.

This is a reminder that we must be careful that we don’t make a wholesale rejection of any group of people. We have a Savior who can reach down and save a Joseph of Arimathea ride out of the middle of a group of rejecting, hostile Pharisees. The Pharisees crucified Jesus, and out from the group of Pharisees, came Joseph of Arimathea and asked for the body of Jesus. What a gracious wonderful Savior is the Lord Jesus! To be bold and loving at the same time.

As we look at this portrait of Jesus we see second of all Jesus was:

2. Focused on Finishing His Work.

V:32-33.

It is clear to see from these two verses that Jesus was laser focused on finishing his work.

Notice the last part of, V:32-“I shall be perfected”.

What I’ve come to do will be finished, I will have reached my goal. Jesus goal was Jerusalem, and His death on the cross in Jerusalem. That was Jesus goal that was the work He came to do.

Don’t you like people with goals? They know what they want to accomplish, they know where they’re going.

Isn’t it terrible to get behind someone driving a car who doesn’t know where they’re going?

When I go to the mall with Tess, I want to know if she knows where she’s going. And does she know when we are going to leave? Do we have a goal?

When men go shopping, we have a goal! Shopping for a man is about conquering something. How fast can I get in there, and get what I need, and get out!

I said to Tess, why do you call it shopping you never buy anything. She said, why do you call it fishing, you never catch anything.

The Lord Jesus knew where he was going, and he knew what he was doing!

And nothing Herod says, or the Pharisees do will get Jesus off course! Jesus was focused on finishing the work of redemption for mankind!

Jesus said, V:32-“go and tell that Fox…

Jesus compared Herod to a Fox, the Fox was a common parlance for a person who was low in character, cunning, and a predator; insignificant and worthless. Jesus was saying that Herod was a third rate person, sly, conniving, untrustworthy, and weak. Herod is the only individual whom Jesus is recorded as calling a Fox, and treating with such contempt. When Jesus faces Herod later, Jesus doesn’t say a word to him; Herod was beyond help our hope.

Jesus says you go tell that worthless coward of a Fox I will continue to do my normal ministry, drive out demons and heal people, and show the love and grace of God today and tomorrow and the next day until I’m done with the work that my father has given me to do!

Jesus was not running away from danger, he was laser focused on finishing what he came to do!

What work was Jesus doing?

Jesus was casting out demons, demonstrating that the kingdom of God had come; and the son of God had ultimate power over the devil and his minions.

Jesus said he would not be detoured, but would complete his work, reach his goal.

V:32, and 33, today, tomorrow and the third day I will be finished.

He was not saying in three days from now I will die… He was saying have a set goal, a strategic plan, and it will be accomplished. Nothing would stop him, no obstacle could delay him, no enemy deter him; no threat defeat him! Jesus knew he was the Lamb who was to be sacrificed in Jerusalem. He was like an all-knowing Isaac who carried the wood of sacrifice and the knife on his back and climbed the mountain knowing where and who was the offering. Jesus is the hero of our souls.

Jesus said in, V:33-“I must walk today, and tomorrow, the day following: four he cannot be that a prophet parish outside of Jerusalem”.

We once again hear the holy commitment of Jesus to go to the cross, and perish, die for the sins of the world!

Jesus came into the world for the very purpose of dying on the cross to save lost sinners!

Jesus was doing the work of God, he would do it until it was finished, and he would do it in Jerusalem. For Jerusalem was the place that prophet’s die.

Jesus would not die anywhere but in Jerusalem; once again showing who’s in charge, not Herod or the Pharisees, but Jesus!

Jesus had already planned that his death would take place in Jerusalem, on Calvary’s Hill, on a Roman cross.

Jerusalem, the city of David, had become known for killing prophets.

When you think of the city of Boston, what historical event do you think of? The Boston tea party.

When you think of New York, what historical event do you think of? I think of the terrorist attack.

Jesus said when you think of Jerusalem, you think of the place where prophets are killed. (O.T.)

Jesus says I am going to Jerusalem to die on the Cross. V:33-“I will reach my goal, I will be finished”

Hanging on the cross Jesus would cry out in

-“it is finished”. The work of redemption was complete, the payment of our sin was made; Jesus satisfied the righteous demands of God.

Jesus death on the cross provides salvation and forgiveness for whoever repents of their sins and place their faith in him! Jesus died, that through him you might live, and live eternally!

Jesus finishing his work is an example for us!

Jesus said today, tomorrow, the next day I will continue to do my work until I reach my goal, the work is complete, and it is finished.

It is easier to start things than to finish. Jesus started his work, and completed it. Let’s be like Jesus; keep working at what God has given you to do; until the work is finished. Keep teaching, helping, serving, and loving until you reach the goal, heaven. Do not let intimidation, opposition, discouragement or even the threat of death stop you.

-“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”.

As we look at this portrait of Jesus we see third of all Jesus was:

3. Compassionate Toward those who Rejected him.

V:34-35.

The repetition of Jerusalem is a strong lament for the city and its people. It reveals the depth of compassion that Jesus had for this city and the people living in it.

In the Old Testament when Absalom was killed, King David cried from broken heart, Absalom, Absalom, my son Absalom.

Jesus spoke to Martha with a deep sense of love and concern, He said, Martha, Martha, you are worried about a lot of things.

Jesus spoke to Peter with a heart of concern; He said, Simon, Simon Satan desires to sift you like wheat.

Now Jesus says, Jerusalem, Jerusalem you who kill the prophets, and stone them that are sent to you…

Look at the hardness of your hearts Jerusalem, you kill the men that God sends to help you, you reject God and his spokesman. And now they are rejecting the son of God, the Lord Jesus; and it breaks his heart. The city’s murderous rebellion broke Jesus heart. Jesus said, I just wanted to gather you like a hen does her chicks… What’s so bad about that… how could you not want that?

Notice: The picture He Paints.

V:34, a mother hen and her chicks under her wings.

Jesus says how often I would have gathered you like a Hen does her chicks.

How often, how many times Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover and other festivals reaching out, preaching and inviting the people to place their faith in him as their Messiah.

Jesus had a heart of compassion and concern, and desired to bring these people under his wings of salvation and protection. The picture Jesus paints is one of protection, salvation, provision. Jesus desires to make you one of his children, bring you into a relationship with him and spread his eternal, powerful wings of love and protection over you! Jesus desires to save, shelter, and satisfy you!

Many times in the Old Testament God paints this picture to illustrate his love and protection of his people.

Right here this morning the invitation to come under God’s sheltering wings is offered to you! Child of God is your life troubled, find shelter, protection, peace under the strong wings of God.

When you are afraid:

-“For in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the storm passes by”.

When you feel unwanted: -“How precious is your steadfast love, or God I take refuge in the shadow of your wings”

Jesus is ready and willing to take you under his wings, if only you will come to him in faith. Then you can say, -“For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy”.

Jesus invites you, he desires you to come under his wings of salvation and protection.

Thank God there are many who have responded to Jesus and have received him as their Savior and Lord and they have been saved.

But sadly many people refuse to come to Jesus! Jesus said I would have gathered you as a hen does her chicks… And you would not!

Three times we have the same word used to express the desire of people. It is the Greek word, Thelo-which means to desire, to want something.

· Herod wants to kill Jesus, V:31.

· Jesus wants to gather the people to himself, V:34.

· The people do not want to be gathered to Jesus, V:34.

Is Jesus desire, a sincere desire? Does Jesus really desire to gather these Jerusalem citizens to himself? Yes he does! Then why doesn’t he? Because they do not want to be gathered.

The Lord Jesus desires to save you this morning! Time and time again he has spoken to you through his word, and by His spirit He calls you to repent and receive Him. And time and time again you have refused his gracious invitation. Some of you here this morning are unsaved, and unprotected.

You are not under Jesus wings of salvation protection because; you will not come to him for salvation!

It doesn’t make any sense. You do not have security in your money, you have no assurance of future, you can’t find the meaning of life in education, and you cannot find fulfillment in earthly possessions or success!

And yet you will not come to Jesus who can give you all those things. He invites you to come to Him for eternal life.

Jesus looks over the city of Springfield and says, I would gather you like a hen does her chicks if you will come to me.

Jesus looks at you and says, I will save you, protect you if you will come to me for salvation!

Jesus Christ is desires to save you.

-“He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”.

-“He does not wish that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”.

Jesus is genuinely offering salvation to everyone!

But it is equally true, that you can reject his offer of salvation.V:34, you would not…you were not willing!

Why didn’t they come? It was not because say were constitutionally incapable of being coming to Jesus. It was because they were stubbornly, willfully, resistant to Jesus call.

These people did not say no because they were preprogrammed to say no. They said no because they were willfully resistant, and rejected the invitation of Jesus!

If you do not come to Christ, it is not because God has not invited you, but because you will not come!

Are you willing today? Are you willing to come under the wings of Jesus salvation and protection?

If you will respond to Jesus today, you will know love, protection, acceptance, forgiveness, fulfillment, peace like you’ve never known before!

But if you don’t respond, Jesus said:

V:35-“your house is left under you desolate…

Jesus is speaking here about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. When God withdrew his protection from Jerusalem, within a matter of years it was destroyed by the Romans. Josephus the historian, writes about how the city of Jerusalem was sieged, and the people starved to death, and the bodies of the dead were thrown over the wall, and the Romans laughed as they stripped their body of the clothes and possessions.

And the city of Jerusalem, and the Temple was desolate! The city was leveled, and the people were carried away by the Romans.

But the greatest desolation, was the fact that God was no longer there! What happened to Jerusalem and its citizens, will happened to any nation, city,

or person who refuses to find salvation and safety under the wings of Jesus.

If you will not come to him, you will be desolate, eternally empty, in eternal darkness and loneliness and destruction. Nothing is more horrible than to be forsaken by God!

Sometimes when I’m home alone, my house feels desolate, empty, because Tess is not there. All of the stuff is still in the house, but it feels desolate because the love of my life is not there. You can have all the possessions of this world, but if you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior your house, your life is desolate, and you will spend eternity desolate, alone forsaken by God.

But thank God it doesn’t end with desolation, there is a promise of future hope, V:35-“blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord”.

Jesus tells these people who had rejected him that they would not see him again until he came in the second coming, they would see him but it would be to their great condemnation.

One day the Bible says every eye will see him, every knee will bow before him, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Do you see Jesus this morning, do you hear Jesus cry of love for you to come under His wings of Salvation and protection.

Do you see the portrait that Luke paints of Jesus in these verses? Jesus is the Broken Hearted Savior; crying out to you to come to Him!

1. Jesus was bold in the face of threats.

2. Focused on finishing his work.

3. Compassionate toward those who rejected him.

Today Jesus invites you to come under his wings of salvation and protection! He longs to receive you, and save you; will you come? Come to Jesus this morning? Today if you hear his voice hardened not your heart!