Jerusalem was and is the center of the world for the Jewish people. It is the holy city, the city of David, and the location of the temple. When Jesus speaks of Jerusalem he is speaking not only of the city, but all it represents. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus repeatedly is characterized as being on "his way to Jerusalem." (Luke 13:22) Jesus' journey will lead him to Jerusalem where he will fulfill all of God's plan. Everything has been leading up to Jerusalem and will culminate there.
When Jesus talks about Jerusalem it also represents the Jewish people and specifically those who have not accepted him as messiah. Jesus laments the rejection of the Jewish people and cares deeply for them. He came to usher in the Kingdom of God for all people; for the Jewish people and Gentiles. It broke Jesus' heart that not everyone received him as Lord. Jesus is not indifferent to those who reject him but heartbroken.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Luke 13:34
At some level Jesus knows that he will be rejected and killed in Jerusalem because people will turn against him. But Jesus is devastated by this rejection. He compares his love for the people as a hen caring for her brood, covering them up and protecting them. Jesus loves all people because God loves all people. God's deepest desire is to call all people to Godself, bringing redemption and wholeness to a broken world. But God does not force it. God will not make people believe or be faithful. The choice is always ours to make. When we reject God, it is heartbreaking for God.
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