Christian Reflection and Prayer

... "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill You"
(Luke 13:31b).

 

Read Luke 13:31-35

 

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'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 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.

 

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries