A Reflection on Luke 13:31-35
In Luke 13:31-35, we witness a poignant moment where Jesus expresses sorrow over Jerusalem. This passage reveals Jesus’ compassion, His determination to fulfill His mission, and His lament for a city that rejects Him.
The Pharisees’ Warning (Luke 13:31)
At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.’
The Pharisees approach Jesus with a warning about Herod’s intentions. While their motives might be unclear, it sets the stage for Jesus to articulate His commitment and sorrow for Jerusalem. This interaction highlights the tensions and dangers Jesus faced during His ministry.
Jesus’ Determined Response (Luke 13:32-33)
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.” In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!’
Jesus responds with bold determination, referring to Herod as a fox—an expression of cunning and deceit. He declares His unwavering commitment to His mission of healing and delivering people. His reference to reaching His goal on the third day foreshadows His resurrection, underscoring the divine plan that He must fulfill.
Jesus’ Lament for Jerusalem (Luke 13:34-35)
‘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. 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.”’
In a moving lament, Jesus expresses His deep sorrow for Jerusalem—a city that has repeatedly rejected God’s messengers. The image of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings portrays Jesus’ nurturing and protective love for the people. Despite His longing to gather and protect them, they remain unwilling to accept Him.
Reflection and Application
This passage invites us to reflect on Jesus’ compassion and His steadfastness in fulfilling His mission, despite opposition and danger. It challenges us to consider our own responses to God’s call. Are we open to His protection and guidance, or do we, like Jerusalem, resist His embrace?
Jesus’ lament also serves as a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God’s message. It calls us to examine our hearts and to respond to His love with openness and acceptance.
Conclusion
Luke 13:31-35 is a powerful testament to Jesus’ unwavering dedication and His deep compassion for Jerusalem. His lament over the city is both a sorrowful acknowledgment of its resistance and a heartfelt expression of His desire to gather and protect its people. As we reflect on this passage, may we be inspired to embrace Jesus’ love and to remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in His divine plan.
0 Comments