“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Luke 13:34)
Jesus described Jerusalem in a way that may surprise the reader. Typically, people think of Jerusalem as the holy city. After all, the temple was located there. All Jewish males were required to go to Jerusalem three times annually. The high priest was there. We have so many reasons to consider Jerusalem as the holy city.
However, Jesus had a different view. He described Jerusalem as a city that refused to hear from God, even going so far as to kill the prophets! Additionally, Jerusalem was a city not willing to come under the care of Jesus. In fact, they will have him killed, too.
I need to make sure I see things clearly, particularly regarding myself and my standing with the Lord.
Just before Jesus wept over Jerusalem, he spoke of the narrowness of the door to the kingdom of God. The people with whom he spoke were put off because he seemed to be suggesting that they were at risk of being locked out. Jesus described their response to being locked out as misguided:
“Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.’ But he will say, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!’” (13:26-27)
This reminds me of the woman with the issue of blood who reached out to touch Jesus and was healed. None of the other people in the crowd were affected by touching Jesus. In this case, these people were not affected by Jesus presence either. Why? Because bumping into Jesus or being in close proximity to Jesus without faith is the same as refusing to be in Jesus’ care.
Father, please help me not refuse Jesus’ care. Help me soberly assess my relationship with Christ and to respond in faith. Amen.
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