Daughters of Jerusalem

As Jesus made his way down the Via Dolorosa – the “Way of Suffering” to the cross, “there was a large number of people following him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.” (Luke 23:27)

The uneven winding path was steep and narrow which made the journey even more difficult. In His beaten and bruised condition, Jesus continued step by step, feeling the pain of the wounds from the whip, the swelling from the strikes to His face and the sheer exhaustion from a sleepless night.

The chaos from the shouting crowds and yelling soldiers added to the whirlwind of the noise that surrounded Him. But when He saw the women He turned and spoke to them.

Jesus saw them and heard them and He sees and hears us too.

In the midst of so much pain and suffering, His mind and heart were focused on the needs of others. He knew that these women would soon experience their own suffering that would require all their tears. “Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:28)

Sometimes we just need that reminder that God sees us. He knows what we are going through and He loves us far more than we will ever comprehend. When the noise and chaos of this world gets so loud, we can remember that He can still hear. When the pain and the path feel unending, we can know that He sees and understands.

Although there was a great multitude watching that day, I imagine that Jesus felt very alone in His struggles. He alone was carrying the sins of the world. At times we can feel alone in our struggles. The demands come from all directions, loneliness sets in and it’s hard to keep going on the long winding path that feels like an uphill battle.

The Daughters of Jerusalem are mentioned in the bible at exactly the right moment and place as a reminder that no matter what you are going through, You Matter to God. You have incredible value and You are His. He sees you. He hears you and He always has a word of encouragement for you.

My prayer

Father, I needed this reminder today. You see and You know. Thank you for Your loving compassion that speaks words of encouragement at just the right moments. You understand pain and suffering and in the midst of Your own, You took time to notice others in their anguish. I Love You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Hebrews 12:14

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”