“ON THE THIRD DAY I WILL REACH MY GOAL”

Luke 13:31-35 / Keywords 13:32

He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'

 

Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem

13:31 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.’[b]”

Footnotes

b. Luke 13:35 Psalm 118:26

1. The Pharisees had pitted themselves against Jesus (6:11; 7:30; 11:53), so their warning was not likely in good faith. Either way, it had the potential to plant fear in Jesus and his disciples, because Herod was well known to follow through on his threats of violence (3:20; 9:9). Fear tactics are often employed by enemies to get us to follow the way of this world. But Jesus was not afraid because he had resolutely set out for Jerusalem (9:31), carrying out his mission of driving out demons and healing people on the way, looking to the completion of his mission on the third day when God would raise him from the dead. Jesus would not be intimidated or allow his path to be determined out of fear. Likewise, we have a calling from God to follow. Let’s learn Jesus’ courage not to be ruled by fear in these uncertain times, where many angry voices are compelling us one way or another.

 

2. Considering his destination of Jerusalem moved Jesus’ heart to tears. As a shepherd, Jesus longs to gather them as a hen gathers chicks, but their pride and fixed idea of a political Messiah led them to reject Jesus. Jesus’ lament is therefore future oriented: hope for the day his people will welcome those who come in the name of the Lord. We share this prayer topic for Israel, and all nations.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for calling me with your great purpose. Help me to courageously follow Jesus.

One Word Live by faith, not by fear