A text – Luke 13:31-35
31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He 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. 33 Yet 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.’ 34 Jerusalem, 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! 35 See, 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.’ ”
A reflection:
Our gospel text for this second Sunday in Lent occurs right after Jesus had taught about entering God’s kingdom by the narrow door, being at the heavenly banquet with the prophets and patriarchs while others are kept out, not recognized by the master. It ends with “the last being first and the first being last.” Then apparently at that very hour, some Pharisees came to warn Jesus about Herod Antipas, the king who had beheaded John the Baptist, Jesus’s cousin. Jesus, choosing his mission from God over his safety from Herod, talks about Jerusalem, his looming destination. He knows it will be the place of his death, but he wishes it could be different. Jesus even foretells his own triumphal entry into that city. He knows, however, that the “Blessed is he!” time will be short-lived.
What do we make of this gospel reading? Is it good news for us? Well, yes. If Jesus had run away and hid in the countryside from Herod, he wouldn’t have died in Jerusalem and our salvation might not have been accomplished. If Jesus was determined to love human beings and save us, despite however stupid and mean-spirited humans can be, he was not going to let Herod or anyone else prevent him from doing that.
We have a determined God – someone who will keep every promise ever made to us, no matter what it takes. This determined promise keeper shows up in Wednesday’s devotion as well, as you will see. We are loved by a God who never forsakes us, no matter what. Thank God for being that way, like a doting, loving parent. Praise to the Lord!
A prayer:
Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for your love, like a parent’s never failing devotion. Help us always to remember with confidence how much you love us and want us for your own. Help us to turn to you in trust and gratitude every day. Amen.
Short Dwellings in the Word by Dr. Pat Taylor Ellison 