Luke 23:28 - But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

Generated Verse: Luke 23:28

What does "Luke 23:28" mean?


This verse from Luke 23:28, spoken by Jesus as he was being led to his crucifixion, is a profound and multi-layered statement. It's not simply about his own suffering but about the impending suffering of Jerusalem and its people. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me..." Jesus acknowledges the women's compassion and grief for his suffering. He's not rejecting their empathy, but he's redirecting their focus. He's telling them their tears are misdirected if they only mourn his fate.

"...but weep for yourselves and for your children." This is the core of the verse. Jesus is prophesying a future disaster that will befall Jerusalem and its inhabitants. He's referring to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD. The suffering will be so great that it will affect not only the present generation but also their children (the next generation).

Here's a more detailed explanation of the implications:

Prophecy of Destruction: Jesus knew that Jerusalem, because of its rejection of him as the Messiah, would face judgment. The destruction by the Romans was a direct consequence of their rejection of God's offer of salvation through Jesus. The destruction was incredibly brutal, with widespread death, famine, and enslavement.

Severity of the Coming Suffering: He indicates the coming suffering will be far worse than what he himself is enduring. He knows his suffering will lead to salvation, while theirs will be a consequence of their own choices and rebellion against God. He wants them to be concerned about their own spiritual condition and future.

Focus on Repentance: Implicitly, Jesus's words are a call to repentance. He is urging the women and, by extension, all the people of Jerusalem to turn away from their sin and rebellion. If they don't, they will face the consequences of their actions.

Future Generations: By mentioning "your children," Jesus highlights the long-term impact of their decisions. The coming destruction would have devastating consequences for the next generation, who would inherit the consequences of their parents' choices.

In essence, the verse is a somber prophecy, a warning, and a call to repentance. Jesus isn't seeking pity for himself; he's deeply concerned for the spiritual and physical well-being of Jerusalem and its people, urging them to consider the consequences of their choices and to turn to God before it's too late.