April 12 2025

Saturday April 12

A Call to Courage, Compassion and Prayer

Luke 13:31-35

31 On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, "Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You." 32 And He said to them, "Go, tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.' 33 Nevertheless I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem. 34 "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' ".

In Luke 13 Jesus has issued several calls to the multitudes, Pharisees, disciples but also to us today. He has given a call to repentance (vv. 1-4), to bear fruit (vv. 6-9), to spiritual freedom (vv.10-17), to spiritual discernment (vv.18-21) and to the urgency of salvation (vv. 22-30). Today, it is my prayer that we will hear His call from verses 21-35 to courage, compassion and prayer!

The scene opens with Pharisees approaching Jesus: “Get out and depart from here, for Herod will kill you” (v. 31). They’re likely scheming, hoping to scare Him from Perea, which was Herod Antipas’ territory, back to Judea, where the Sanhedrin could trap Him. Herod, who beheaded John the Baptist (Luke 9:7-9), was curious about Jesus’ miracles but now threatens His life, perhaps fearing His influence. The Pharisees’ warning may carry truth, yet their motives are suspect, cloaked in false concern. Jesus, unfazed, and with courage, replies, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected’” (v. 32).

Calling Herod a “fox”, indicating that he was sly and despised, Jesus uses sharp sarcasm, not disrespect, fitting His prophetic role (Nehemiah 4:3). Jesus is no victim of Herod’s schemes because He knows that He is following a divine timetable (John 2:4; Acts 2:23). Nothing, not even Herod’s threats, can derail God’s plan for His death at Passover in Jerusalem, decreed before time (1 Peter 1:20). “Today and tomorrow” mean He’ll continue His work, freeing the oppressed, healing the sick, until the “third day,” hinting at His death and resurrection, when His mission is “finished” (John 19:30). No earthly power, neither Herod nor Pharisees, can stop Him. And it will not stop us if we know God’s plan and purpose for our lives!

Then Jesus declares, “Nevertheless I must walk today, tomorrow, and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem” (v. 33). With biting irony, He notes Jerusalem’s grim history as the place where prophets die, judged by the Sanhedrin as false (Luke 11:47-51; Acts 13:27). “It cannot be”, in other words, “it’s not fitting”, for Him to die elsewhere. This isn’t resignation; it’s resolve to face His destiny, exposing the city’s guilt in rejecting God’s messengers.

Jesus tone now shifts to anguish revealing His compassion: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing!” (v. 34). This lament, repeated later (Matthew 23:37), pulses with love, not anger. Like a hen shielding chicks from danger (Psalm 91:4), Jesus longed to protect Israel—His “house,” both the nation and temple. He knew its history, from Melchizedek to the Maccabees, yet saw its rebellion. Despite countless chances to repent, they refused, leaving their house “desolate” (v. 35). The temple, their idol, would burn in AD 70, the people scattered, with no king or priest (Hosea 3:4).

Yet, Jesus gives them hope: “You shall not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord’” (v. 35; Psalm 118:26). Partially fulfilled at His triumphal entry (Luke 19:38), this points to His return, when Israel will mourn, then embrace Him (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:1). Jesus doesn’t forsake them; a future awaits in His coming Millennium reign when they’ll sing His praise.

What does this mean for us today? Jesus’ courage should challenge our fears. He faced Herod’s threats, unmoved, because He trusted God’s plan. Are we as bold, or do we shrink from opposition? His lament reveals God’s compassionate heart which is patient, yearning to gather us, yet grieved by refusal. Israel’s “you were not willing” warns us: privilege doesn’t save; only surrender does. The Pharisees hid behind their deceit, and Jerusalem clung to tradition. Today, we might dodge God’s call with excuses or delay. But the door of grace won’t stay open forever, because now is the time to respond (Hebrews 4:7).

Closing Challenge

Today do you hear the calls of Jesus? Are you resisting Jesus’ call like Jerusalem, or trusting His timing like He did? This week, face one fear or excuse holding you back. Maybe sharing your faith or letting go of control. Step forward boldly, praying for a heart soft to His gathering wings. Don’t say “I would not”, but today say yes.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your courage, undeterred by threats, and Your compassion, longing to gather us. Forgive us when we resist You, clinging to fears or pride. Soften our hearts to say yes, trusting Your perfect plan. Help us live boldly for You, praying for Jerusalem’s peace until You return. Amen.

God bless!