Luke 13:31-35
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 13:31-35 pausing to contemplate anything that stands out as you read.
We have seen that the tone of Jesus’ teaching has become more and more urgent as he presses on toward Jerusalem. Now that he has arrived, a group of Pharisees approach him with a warning of their own.
Not all the religious leaders were opposed to Jesus. In fact, we know that at least one came to believe in him and follow him (John 19:38-42). And the Pharisees in this story seem sincerely concerned about Jesus’ safety – so much so that they are risking their own reputations to caution him. But Jesus is steadfast. He will finish the work he came to do.
For most who are reading this meditation there is very little physical risk involved when it comes to following Jesus. But for any follower of Jesus there is a cost. Stop to consider what the risk would be if you were to be completely sold out to Jesus. Notice any emotion that arises as you think about this. In complete honesty, share your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
Read Luke 13:31-35 again.
When danger is imminent, a mother hen will spread her wings and gather her chicks safely underneath. And as Jesus stands gazing down on the city of Jerusalem this motherly instinct takes hold of him. He has warned and even pleaded for God’s intended people to turn to him, and now he longs to gather them before it is too late. But by and large they have made their choice.
Very soon Jesus will enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey’s colt to the cheers of the crowds who mistake him for a conquering earthly hero. What most of these fair-weather followers will fail to understand is that Jesus’ apparent failure on the cross will accomplish much more than freedom from an earthly oppressor. Jesus’ sacrificial death will disarm the powers of evil that hold all of humanity captive.
It is this ultimate freedom that Jesus so urgently desires to give to the people of Jerusalem, and it is this gift of restoration and freedom that he longs for us to receive and live into every day.
In just around 40 years from the time of this story, Rome will invade the city of Jerusalem and leave it desolate.
Stop to become still and centered on the presence of Jesus. Breathe in the name of Jesus and exhale any stray thoughts and any tension you are holding. When you feel calm, take some time to assess your own sense of urgency regarding your relationship with Jesus. Would you say that you fall more on the side of complacency when it comes to Jesus, or do you have more of a sense of desperation for him? Talk to Jesus openly about this and then listen to him.
What is Jesus saying to you today?
What will you do about that?
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
