Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” vs. 34
Luke 13:34-35
Like all Jews of his time Jesus had a deep and abiding love for the city of Jerusalem. For centuries it had been the site of the temple, which, during Jesus’ lifetime, had been completely rebuilt at great expense by Herod the Great. Every year faithful pilgrims came during the main festivals to offer sacrifices and sing praises in its holy precincts. Jesus had likely been there many times with his family. There was one problem. Since Jerusalem was the center of the powerful religious establishment, it was essentially hostile territory for him during his ministry. Obviously, Jesus wished that it could have been different…he had a kingdom message for the people, and he’d been prevented from delivering it. Jesus’ poignant lament for the city reminds us of God’s motherly compassion for the broken people of our beautiful world. And that’s still how it is. The heart of God breaks in the face of the horrible repression, war, and exclusion that seems to have enveloped humanity. And as the hands and feet of God it is our role as believers to reach out with compassionate wings and bring sacrificial love to the frightened and the harassed.
Thought for the Day: What’s the main ingredient of a mother’s love?
0 Comments