Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 13:31-35.
TEXT: "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill
You" (see Luke 13:31).


Each day the danger increases for Jesus. Today some
Pharisees pass along an alleged death threat. If Herod
did make this threat, it was more of a bluff to drive
Jesus out of the region. Later he will have his chance to
kill Jesus in Jerusalem, but instead he will hand Him
back over to Pilate. 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 refuses to be intimidated. His time in Galilee is
growing extremely short, and He will reach every person
He possibly can before He must move on toward Jerusalem.
Jesus 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.

He must go up to Jerusalem. And it is there-like so many
prophets before Him- that Jesus must die. Like a bird that
spreads its wings to gather its chicks and shield them from
danger, Jesus reaches out to His people, but they turn their
backs. On the cross His arms will be stretched out for them
also, but they will pass by with sneers, insults and mockery.

This brings tears to His eyes. But they 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.


THE PRAYER:

Almighty God, so many times You reached out to Your people,
yet they kept turning their backs on You. Heal my stubborn
heart, so I may know Your peace and joy through Jesus Christ
my Lord and Savior. I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)