JESUS IS LORD!
Opening Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you that you are King over all, and yet you love me so much you died for me and rose again.
Read LUKE 13:31-35
Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem
31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’[a]”
Footnotes
- Luke 13:35 Psalm 118:26
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
In what ways do you best show your praise for Jesus and the work he has accomplished for you?Jesus has been acting and teaching in a controversial way, and clearly this has gotten the attention of the local authorities (v 31). But Jesus is not surprised by this; the Bible is full of stories of God’s prophets not being welcomed by those around them.
Jerusalem is the center for Jesus’ attention (and God’s story of his people): Jesus knows that he will die there and has been journeying toward it (v 33; Luke 9:44). God has long loved and protected his people (see Deuteronomy 32:10-12; Psalms 17:8; 36:7)—but as we have seen in earlier passages, not all will respond to Jesus’ message of salvation, and this leads Jesus to lament (vs 34,35). What things are stirring your heart to lament about today?
Jesus’ message about Jerusalem and the people of Israel is another example of God’s kingdom not being quite what we would expect. We know that those who aren’t of the biological family of Israel will also be invited into God’s kingdom if they turn to Jesus (see Galatians 3:26-29). There is much to praise God for.
Apply
Luke 13:35 repeats words from Psalm 118:26, which some have interpreted as a prophecy about the coming of Jesus. Read Psalm 118 through now, reflecting on its words to prompt your prayers for today.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, as I read about your sorrow over Jerusalem, I am reminded to pray for Israel. Pour out grace and mercy on your people; draw them to yourself.
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