Luke 23:28Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Women, who are often quick to express their sorrow and grief, weep as though the Lord Himself were in a state of anguish, revealing their empathy and mourning for the wrongs of humanity. However, He not only shows disapproval of their reaction but also instructs them against it. He endured His suffering willingly, and for one who suffers by choice, especially for the redemption of all humankind, it is not tears that are fitting, but rather honor and praise. Through the Cross, both death is vanquished and hell is seized.

In what manner or form? Because, when conflict arose in the land of the Jews, everyone, from the least to the greatest, was lost completely: both the infants at their mothers' sides and the sons with their fathers faced the same fate without exception. He also remarks that people will treasure above all else the cost of being buried beneath hills and mountains; for in times of great distress, those hardships that are less severe may, in a way, become preferable.

Who is unaware of the prosperity that the nation of Israel experienced in ancient times amidst all the kingdoms of the world! The royal palaces that adorned Jerusalem, the impressive walls and towers, and the splendid structure of the temple! The disciples of the Lord marveled at these wonders, and filled with astonishment, they drew Jesus' attention to them, asking: What are these magnificent works and buildings (Mk. 13:1). Yet, the Lord revealed the impending desolation and destruction of this beauty to those who were in awe of it, indicating that soon there would be nothing left for them to admire. Even during the time of His suffering, the women followed Him, weeping over the injustice He faced, unaware of the future restoration that was to come.

Do not mourn for Me; instead, weep for yourselves and for your children.

I find myself uncertain about how to address you with the respect you deserve, yet I fear that you neglect even the most basic reasoning. The inquiry, "Why did Christ not only refrain from commending but even rebuke those women who expressed compassion for Him?" underscores a significant indication that you do not embrace even the common understanding shared among us. Compassion can be seen as offensive to Him who experienced suffering not out of necessity but willingly. Those who suffer without choice are rightly mourned, while those who endure willingly are to be commended. It is not merely the visible outcome that stirs emotions but the true resolve of those who endure pain.

The penitential message delivered to the women of Jerusalem initially highlights the cause of their sorrow, then exposes the impending judgment facing Jerusalem, followed by the prophetic condemnation awaiting all who turn away from Christ, and ultimately encourages them to recognize the benevolent judgment carried out by Jesus, which serves as the unyielding verdict of righteousness for those who remain unrepentant. Christ Jesus said to the daughters of Jerusalem, "Weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children." Even at the moment when Judas departed from the assembly with the resolute intent of betrayal, the Savior proclaimed, "Now is the Son of man glorified" (John 13:31), prompting humanity to respond with reverence for the astounding love of God.

As was customary for those sentenced to execution, the Lord was obliged to bear the instrument of His death to the site of His crucifixion. However, the intense physical and emotional torment He endured left Him so weakened that He collapsed beneath the burden of the cross. In their roughness, the soldiers who had been mocking Him demonstrated an unexpected act of kindness by forcing Simon of Cyrene, who was merely passing by, to lift the cross and carry it to the designated location. Amidst His suffering, His heart was profoundly stirred with compassion for the misled and blinded people, whose destiny He could foresee, as the wrath of God was poised to descend upon them for their past transgressions, particularly for this grievous sin.

St. John provides a succinct account of Christ's journey to crucifixion, noting that as He was condemned and led away, He approached Calvary while "bearing His cross." The first three Gospels recount that during His journey, Simon of Cyrene was compelled by the soldiers to carry the cross behind Jesus, as the weight of His prior afflictions left Him too weak to bear it Himself. Additionally, the Gospel of Luke reveals that a multitude of faithful women followed Him, mourning deeply for His plight. The Lord, seeking to comfort them, redirects their focus from His suffering to their own spiritual condition.

Christ addressed the sorrowful women of Jerusalem, saying, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not lament for me; instead, weep for yourselves and your children. The time will come when they will declare, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that have not given birth, and the breasts that have not nursed.’ In that day, people will cry out to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if such things are done to the green tree, what will become of the dry?" In this poignant message to the grieving women, Christ alluded to the forthcoming devastation of Jerusalem, when famine, the violence of opposing factions, and the terror of the Roman siege would lead mothers to mourn for their children and envy those who have not borne children.

The somber environment of this agonizing procession was profoundly moving, leading many women to weep uncontrollably. The Suffering Savior turned to them, urging them not to mourn for Him, but rather for themselves and for the impending tribulations that loomed over the entire Jewish people and the land promised to them.

"The daughters of Jerusalem" signifies not just women but conveys a heartfelt message, illustrating the Lord's kindness towards these individuals who demonstrated deep compassion for Him. However, rather than offering a word of gratitude, He delivers a solemn warning. The Lord appears to overlook His own anguish; His focus shifts to the future of His people and the trials they will face due to the suffering, death, and rejection of their Savior. He urges, "Weep for yourselves and for your children." The Lord acknowledges the women’s sincere compassion but highlights the impending tribulations that await them and their offspring. He seemingly alludes to the grave curse that the Jewish authorities so carelessly brought upon themselves and their descendants: "His blood be upon us and upon our children" (Matt. 27:25).