Following the prophesied events of His triumphal entry (v. 28-40), as Jesus was nearing the city of Jerusalem, the sight struck Him with great emotion. Only in this place, and at the occasion of Lazarus’ death (cf. John 11:35), is Jesus described as having wept. The view of the city dedicated to God, and its citizens who would soon reject Him as their Messiah and crucify Him, moved Him to tears. For their unbelief they would be overthrown just as their ancestors had been.

Jesus indicated the reason for their impending doom. In their obduracy, they did not know Jesus was He who could bring them peace. He was the Messiah sent to save, but they received Him not. Instead, they were bent on destroying Him, and the things of peace were hidden from them in their hardness of hearts.

Verses 43 and 44 are a prophetic description of the destruction of Jerusalem which Jesus wept over. Other historical accounts show this to have occurred in the year A.D. 70. The Romans would “build an embankment” so as to surround the city. This would cut off supplies, and disallow any escape. The city would be utterly destroyed. The devastation would be total. None would be spared.

This would all occur, “because you did not know the time of your visitation.” When God visits men, it is either for the better or worse. The visitation of Jesus was one of deliverance, and salvation. However, the people did not view it as such. This is illustrated by the Jewish leaders’ response to the healing of Lazarus: “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation” (11:47-48). It is ironic that their “place and nation” was taken away, not because Jesus was accepted, but because they rejected Him.