The Time of Your Visitation

A day He planned

If the countdown is to the Messiah, the Prince, we might find out what that day is in Luke.

As He approached Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, He sent out two of His disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying it?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it.’” Luke 19:29-31

And as He approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to praise God joyfully in a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:37-38

This is Jesus who, many times, told people not to tell what He had done. "Then He admonished the disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ." Matthew 16:20 He hid away so He would not be found. He told people, "My time has not yet come." John 7:6 And now, on a specific day, He orchestrates this.

Five centuries earlier Zechariah wrote: "See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9

The Pharisees knew

Just in case we miss it, the Pharisees are there to help us out.

But some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!” “I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.” Luke 19:39-40

They knew what this meant. They knew this was the declaration that He was the Messiah. This wasn't some small parade; this was a huge deal, and the Pharisees knew it. It happened on the Sunday before the Passover lambs were slain.

He wept over the city

As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will level you to the ground—you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.” Luke 19:41-44

Jesus wept over the city because they did not know that the triumphal entry was happening that day. They should have, because Daniel told them exactly when. That is how many people knew the Messiah was on His way. I believe that is how the wise men knew to be looking for the signs. They were told when He was going to arrive, and still the city missed it.

I think it is incredible that we have the exact timeline from Daniel pointing to Christ. It is an amazing fingerprint from God, showing us who Christ was going to be and when He was going to arrive.

Luke also shows people waiting in that generation. Simeon "was waiting for the consolation of Israel." Luke 2:25 Anna spoke about the child "to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem." Luke 2:38 And "the people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ." Luke 3:15

And now

We do not have this kind of countdown for His second coming. But we do have the signs and the seasons, and we should be looking for them, so that when they happen we are prepared and we see them. It is important to be ready whenever He comes.

That is Part 2: Watching Wisely.

Back to the lesson: From Daniel to Christ.