Probation was about to close for the Jewish nation. BUT THEY DID NOT KNOW IT. Even Jesus’ disciples did not know it. But, on His triumphant entry into Jerusalem just days before the crucifixion, Jesus wept (see Luke 19:41) and said, “ ‘If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace!’ Then came a pause, for the Saviour was reluctant to pronounce the irrevocable sentence—‘but now they are hid from thine eyes’ (verse 42). It was with a burst of agony that Christ spoke these words.” The Signs of the Times, July 26, 1899.
“For a few moments the Son of God stands upon Mount Olivet, expressing the intense yearning of His soul that Jerusalem might repent in the last few moments before the westering sun shall sink behind the hill. That day the Jews as a nation would end their probation. … But now the irrevocable sentence is spoken, because ‘she knew not the time of her visitation.’ ” Ibid., February 27, 1896.
“The course taken by the hardhearted and impenitent inhabitants of the doomed city is similar to the attitude of churches and individuals toward Christ at the present time. They neglect His requirements and despise His forbearance. There is a form of godliness, there is ceremonial worship, there are complimentary prayers, but the real power is wanting. The heart is not softened by grace, but is cold and unimpressible. Many, like the Jews, are blinded by unbelief and know not the time of their visitation.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 258.
“When the Saviour saw in the Jewish people a nation divorced from God, He saw also a professed Christian Church united to the world and the papacy. … He is weeping over and pleading with sinners in these last moments of time. … Will He be obliged to say to those who have had great light and knowledge, as He said to the Jews, ‘If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes’?” The Review and Herald, October 8, 1901.
Because you “do not know …” (Revelation 3:17 NKJV).