17.03.25 Luke 13:31-35

Prepare

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your presence today. We pray that here and now, we would behold your glory and by your spirit, be transformed into someone more and more like our risen King Jesus. Amen. 

Read

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.’

Reflect

There is a massive difference between following someone with a plan and following someone without. I think you see this most clearly when putting up a tent. You either put up a tent with someone who has a plan in mind of how it goes together. What’s far more common is putting up a tent with someone who has no plan and is simply making it up as they go along. Today we are reminded of how confident Jesus is of his kingdom purpose and mission while on earth. Despite the threat on his life by King Herod, Jesus is unfazed. He seems more concerned about bringing freedom in the lives of others than he is about his own safety.  He promises that on the third day, he will reach his goal. Through his resurrection, Jesus proved that death had no claim on him. Neither will death hold any power over those who belong to him.

Be

Our passage speaks so powerfully about Jesus maternal nature, to gather children as a hen gathers chicks. He desires to make them safe, happy, to promote their growth and to know his love. What a beautiful image. The book of hebrews tells us that Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being. That is to say, what we see in Jesus we can say is also true of the Father. With that in mind, let’s pray and give thanks

• Thank you Jesus that you “came to seek and save that which is lost”

• Jesus, we thank you for your kingdom mission that saw lives made new

• Thank you Jesus that you are “the resurrection and the Life, anyone who believes in you will live even though they die”

• Jesus we praise you today that we can share in your victory over the grave

Take some time now to offer your own prayer of praise. 

Become

Jesus doesn’t leave us short of reason to trust him. It should therefore not surprise us that Jesus mourns for Jerusalem and their refusal to let him gather them. He says to them “you were not willing”.

Speaking of your life, where might Jesus be able to say “you were not willing”?

What choices do you not allow him to influence? What is off limits between you and him?

Whatever comes to mind, picture yourself holding it out in front of you with open hands, allowing Jesus to take it, trusting that his yoke his easy and his burden is light  

Do

Jesus mission in the world  is still ongoing. Whilst the resurrection has secured the outcome, Jesus has left his followers responsible for continuing the work of his kingdom. The holy spirit empowered Jesus to proclaim the good news to the poor, heal the sick, cast out demons, give sight to the blind, and prophesy. This same power is alive in you

• Ask yourself, How can I be part of Jesus' mission today?

• Is there a charity or gospel initiative that would benefit from your financial support?

Practice

If you feel at all inadequate in continuing Jesus work, you are not alone. There was doubt amongst the disciples at the moment Jesus commissioned them. It is with all authority of heaven and earth that Jesus said “go and make disciples, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Surely I am with you to the very end of the age”.

As you go about continuing Jesus mission in his name, be confident that you have Jesus authority and presence with you at every moment.