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 the road," slowly making his way to Jerusalem, when he is warned by some Pharisees to make himself scarce because Herod wants him dead. It's notable that this time it's Herod Antipas, son of the infamous Herod the Great, who wants to kill Jesus. A family tradition, perhaps? It’s even more notable, however, that it is Pharisees who tip Jesus off. It is not clear whether they are warning Jesus out of a genuine concern for his welfare, or for reasons that are less transparent. Nevertheless, Jesus seems unconcerned. "Tell that fox from me," he says, "that my work will be accomplished—my work of healing and my work of dying, which, by the way, will not be here but in Jerusalem." These verses are for us one more reassuring message that God's purposes will not be thwarted.
Prayer
Lord, we are on the road also. Help us to remain confident that your loving purpose for us and for all humankind will remain unto eternity. Amen.