Jesus grieves over Jerusalem
Pray
Begin with prayer, opening your heart to His Word and Spirit.
Read Luke 13:31-35
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]”
Reflect
Jesus has continued his teaching, seeking to help his listeners understand what the Kingdom of God is really like. The Pharisees are desperate for Him to move on, using Herod’s threats as leverage. Jesus words leave them no doubt that he will not be deterred from his mission. However, it is what Jesus says about Jerusalem that stops us in our tracks. Jesus’ words reveal his deep grief about Israel’s rejection and express his heartbreaking response.
Closing prayer
Father, thank you for this picture of Jesus’ desire to gather his children, like a hen gathering her chicks under her wings. Help us to always be grateful for your tender care. Amen.