Luke 13:31-35 (NRSV)
Read Luke 13:31-35 on biblegateway.com
Verse 31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." Verse 32He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Verse 33Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Verse 34Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Verse 35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Devotion
Jesus is on his last journey to Jerusalem. He has been teaching and doing life-giving acts for those who follow him, but his enemies continue to oppose him. He is warned to keep out of Jerusalem because Herod intends to kill him there, but Jesus sends word that he must continue to Jerusalem, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem. Why? Because Jesus intends to bring good news to all people, a mission that goes back at least as far as Abraham. The insiders will have none of this, despite the fact that it is God who has willed both the content and the timing of why and where Jesus must go.
We also hear Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem, when God wishes to gather the people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but the leaders reject God’s will.
Prayer
O God, may we cling to Jesus even in the confusion within and around us. Amen.