Luke 13:31-35 (NIV)
31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Reflection:
Today we are constantly bombarded by various influences and trends (i.e. fashion trends, diet fads, self-help advice, facebook, etc.…). And as we interact with the world around us, we may find ourselves trying to fit in, make it, or be right with the crowd. Jesus also faced many outside influences/pressures, but He refused to give in and He remained focused on the mission at hand- a mission God the Father had given to Him.Even in the face of death threats, He boldly states His intention to continue His mission, ministering for the next three days and beyond.There would be no change of plan. Jesus remained on the narrow road that led to Jerusalem and His death because His heart longed to gather His people “as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” Jesus had tears for the ones who would reject and kill Him.
Responding to the message:
Let us spend time in prayer once again receiving the Father’s heart for the mission He has set in our lives; making the decision to stay on the narrow road and resisting the temptation to give in to outside influences.Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit’s filling to receive fresh tears for our generation.
