The Lament of Jesus

 

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 jyour 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).

 

In our reading today we see the sorrow of Jesus over His people. Some Pharisees came to Jesus to warn him. They didn’t want any trouble in their area. Trouble in their territory would affect their status, their prized positions. So they urged him to “go somewhere else.” But Jesus wasn’t about to be rushed, or to bend to the Pharisees’ wishes. He was journeying toward Jerusalem. He had to go there. He knew that death awaited him there, and he had ministry work to do along the way. His mission included driving out demons and healing people as he headed resolutely toward Jerusalem.

 

Knowing he’d be killed there as other prophets had been, Jesus spoke of his love for his people. He used the image of a hen who gathers her chicks under her wings. It’s a perfect picture of protection. It is an incredible picture of the protection Jesus desires to provide for all His people. And it is also a poignant lament showing his sorrow for sinners—Jerusalem’s children. Their unwillingness to accept him would lead to judgment and desolation. Then, using words from Psalm 118, he pointed to the day when the enemy will be defeated. There will be rejoicing for all who have accepted Christ’s offer of protection, the offer of salvation in his name.

 

Here, at the start of the Lenten Season we are provided with another opportunity to repent. Unlike the Pharisees, do not tell Jesus to go away!