31 At that time, some Pharisees came up and said to Jesus, “Get away from here because Herod wants to kill you.” 32 But he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Look, I am casting out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete my work. 33 Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, because it is impossible that a prophet should be killed outside Jerusalem.’ 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would have none of it! 35 Look, your house is forsaken! And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

If someone said to me, “Quick, get away – someone very powerful has sent a contract killer for you, and they’re on their way now!”, I can think of a few ways I might react. Mostly, I’d panic. But I definitely wouldn’t say either of the two things Jesus says in response to the warning about Herod. It took me a while to work out what Jesus meant, but in verse 32 he basically says: “I’m not running away – I must stay and complete the work my Father has given me to do, of delivering and healing people.” But then he says that soon he will leave anyway – not to run away from death, but because: “it is impossible that a prophet should be killed outside Jerusalem” (v33). That is, he’s deliberately and resolutely heading for the place where he knows without a doubt that he’ll be killed.

He knows that those who will kill him are God’s precious, loved, rebellious, tragic chosen people Israel – Jesus’ own people. He knows that, in killing him, they will be bringing judgment on themselves – their “house” will be forsaken by God (v35). And he is filled with sorrow and compassion.

As usual, as Jesus is explaining this, he throws in some breath-taking claims about himself. He is like a mother hen, and the people of Israel are like the chicks who he longs to protect. All through the Old Testament, that image is used to describe God himself as the protector of his people (for example, Psalm 17:8 and 91:4). And Jesus finishes by quoting Psalm 118 – “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” Psalm 118 is the climax of the psalms about the Messiah – about how the Messiah will be all alone, under attack on every side, and yet God will deliver him and bring salvation through him. Jesus knew all those things were to be fulfilled in him, and in the death that awaited him.

I can’t comprehend Jesus’ determination and clear-mindedness. He knew the plan laid out for him in the Scriptures – that it would end in victory, but only through unimaginable suffering and death. What a Saviour! I also found this another helpful reminder that judgment is coming, but there is no place for gloating or feeling glad that others are facing disaster. We must strive to feel Jesus’ compassion for those who hate us – otherwise how will we preach the gospel with conviction? Give thanks now for Jesus, and pray for his heart to grow in you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sheena is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.