The blindness of the Jerusalem authorities is what makes Jesus weep as He saw the city before Him. He said, "...the message of peace is hidden from your eyes" (Lk 19:42). He, the peace bringing King, bringing peace in the sense of physical and spiritual wholeness and well-being - is met with opposition during His Galilean Ministry. Now as He approaches Jerusalem, the many manifestations of God's peace are not visible to the authorities there and do not fit into their plans.

How different are these Jerusalem authorities from Mattathias who, in his time, was only too aware of the peace of God which comes from holding fast to the covenant with God. He was prepared to sacrifice all, worldly position, riches, and even life, to preserve his spiritual integrity. His awareness of the importance of God in his life even led him to physical rebellion against apostasy and those who advocated it.

While this is praiseworthy, Jesus calls not so much for such a physical rebellion as for acceptance of His message of peace. In Luke 11:28, Mary was blessed and commended by Jesus because "she heard the word of God and kept it." Hearing the word of God and living it out is the real source of sanctity, bringing true rank, privilege and honour. Appropriation of this into our hearts is what makes Jesus smile and not weep.