Luke – Doors Wide Open!
Luke 13, New Living Translation
Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem
31 At that time some Pharisees said to him, “Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!”
32 Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. 33 Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. 35 And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
THINK ABOUT IT…
Jesus pressed on to Jerusalem where God would allow His One and Only Son to be sacrificed for the sin of the world He loved…His created. It is amazing mercy, grace and unconditional love that drove God, Our Father to this decision that was planned “while we were yet sinners”. Jesus died a cruel death after being beaten beyond human recognition. After three days, He rose from the grave, defeating the enemy of death. He fulfilled all the prophets said as directed by God. He finished the mission and plan of bringing all people who believe back to God in relationship and be part of His family for eternity. Yes, blessed indeed, is the One who came to complete what God sent Him to do.
AND we will see Jesus again. He’s coming back, you know.
The THIRD DAY made the life or death difference for all of us. “…and the third day I will accomplish my purpose.” “I will”, said Jesus, and He did. At the end, on the cross, he cried out these last words, “It is finished.” IT was our salvation.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NLT
HOLY PAUSE…
Does Jesus still grieve over those who refuse to believe and follow Him? Can we put the name of our city or town in the place of Jerusalem in this passage?
Does my behavior grieve His Holy Spirit who lives in me?
“For God so loved…” Think of all the ways God unconditionally loves us. How can we love like that today?
What is my purpose and mission? Am I driven by God and the power of His Holy Spirit to accomplish it?
We must cast our gaze from the cross to the empty grave for that is the victory that overcame to world!
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior,
Your Word and Holy Spirit causes us to pause to pray for repentance. It stops our worldly thoughts and to do lists to consider the gift of your salvation. It compels me to pray for all the lost people in our community, in our families and among our dearest friends. I am grateful beyond words for my own salvation but I long for the salvation of family members. I’m not sure how to thank you except for offering my life back to you as a living sacrifice. Show me your plan for me today. I want what you want. I am listening.
In Jesus Name, Amen
