Gospel Meditation

Luke 13:31–35

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Recite the Lord’s Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.

1.         Jesus, with the Twelve are in Galilee heading for Jerusalem, is approached by a group of Pharisees who warn Him to leave the area. Herod, tetrarch of Galilee rules the area and, according to the Pharisee contingent, is out to murder Jesus.

2.         Whether this is true or not is unknown, but Jesus says to the religious leaders to go and let that “fox” meaning Herod who was crafty and treacherous, that He will not be intimidated but will go about His ministry.

3.         Jesus then reminds His hearers of the history of Israel’s leaders, the opposition and hostility aimed at the prophets God had sent to them.

4.         Jesus’ lament, His sorrowful statement, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” referring to the people’s rejection of the messengers God had sent to them, which shows the love He has for the nation of Israel.

5.         The result of the continued rejection of those who had been sent to the Jewish people means their faith is empty and fruitless.

6.         The final statement of Jesus is that the nation of Israel will not be blessed until they acknowledge Him as Savior and Messiah.