Christ
J.C. Ryle reveals Christ's profound compassion for sinners and the urgent call to recognize the time of visitation before judgment comes.
In this devotional sermon, J.C. Ryle explores the deep compassion of Christ towards sinners and His sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection. He highlights the urgent need to recognize the time of visitation and the call to genuine prayer and worship. Through vivid Scripture, Ryle challenges believers to reflect on their response to Christ and the purity of their faith.
Text
"Now as he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation. Then he went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, saying to them, It is written, My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves." (Luke 19.41-45)
We learn, firstly, how great is the tenderness and compassion of Christ toward sinners. We are told that when he came near Jerusalem for the last time, "He beheld the city and wept over it." He knew well the character of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Their cruelty, their self-righteousness, their stubbornness, their obstinate prejudice against the truth, their pride of heart were not hidden from him. He knew well what they were going to do to himself within a very few days. His unjust judgment, his delivery to the Gentiles, his suffering, his crucifixion, were all spread out distinctly before his mind\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Christ's tender compassion for sinners
- His knowledge of Jerusalem's stubbornness and pride
- The sorrow over impending judgment
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II
- The significance of the time of visitation
- Warning against rejecting Christ's message
- Consequences of spiritual blindness
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III
- Christ cleansing the temple
- The call for true prayer and worship
- Condemnation of hypocrisy in religion
Key Quotes
“He beheld the city and wept over it.” — J.C. Ryle
“If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace!” — J.C. Ryle
“My house is a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Recognize and respond to Christ's compassionate call before it is too late.
- Examine your heart to ensure your worship is sincere and pleasing to God.
- Avoid spiritual blindness by embracing the truths of Scripture daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'time of visitation' mean?
It refers to the period when Christ comes to offer salvation and judgment, urging people to recognize and respond to His message.
Why did Christ weep over Jerusalem?
He wept because of the city's rejection of Him and the tragic consequences that would follow their unbelief.
What is the significance of Christ cleansing the temple?
It symbolizes the need for purity in worship and condemns the corruption and hypocrisy present in religious practices.
How can we apply this sermon today?
By recognizing Christ's compassion, responding to His call, and ensuring our worship is sincere and free from hypocrisy.