Like a Hen Gathers Her Chicks

 

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Luke 13:31-35 ESV).

 

Mother hens are very protective of their chicks. They keep them close with a series of special clucks and warn them of any dangers as well as showing them which foods are good and how to find insects. A hen that is being protective adopts a particular stance with all her feathers fluffed out and her wings out to the side to make herself seem as big as she possibly can. She will also spread her tail and growl loudly while gathering her chicks behind her. This little dog in the picture is about to find out how protective she can be!

 

This is the reference Jesus uses in our reading today. The context is important though. Each day the danger increases for Jesus. Some of the Pharisees pass along an alleged death threat. Herod wanted to drive Jesus out of the region. Later, he'll have his chance to kill Jesus in Jerusalem, but he will hand Him back to Pilate instead. He doesn't want to anger his Galilean subjects by killing yet another popular prophet, executing John the Baptist had already cost him enough. Jesus refused to be intimidated. His time in Galilee is growing extremely short, and He gives them a message to take back to Herod, "Tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.'" If demons and diseases cannot stop Jesus from carrying out the work the Father has set for Him to do, no earthly ruler will either.

Then He gazes out over the city and weeps over Jerusalem. These tears are not for Him; rather, they are for the people of Jerusalem He so desperately wants to save, but they are unwilling. This unwillingness will lead to their destruction at the hands of the Roman legions in another 40 years. During this season we should remember that Jesus’ offer to protect us still stands. He spreads His “wings” and calls us to Himself. Don’t wait… oh, by the way, Jesus really is much stronger than any hen! He is the Lion of Judah!