Lessons from a Fox and a Hen

Luke 13:31-35

The first time I can recall reading this passage, I can remember being a little confused as to why Jesus would tell the Pharisees to go talk to a fox about His itinerary for the next couple of days.  A fox can’t understand people, and wouldn’t he just run away anyhow?  It’s safe to say I was a little slow on the uptake.  Of course Jesus is referring to Herod, calling him a fox; as in sly and underhanded.  The Pharisees could be labeled the same.  They really were not all that concerned about the possibility of Herod killing Jesus.  They were more than likely hopeful that Jesus would move on to Jerusalem knowing it’s there where He might meet His ultimate demise.

Jesus knows Jerusalem is where He is ultimately headed, and He knows what’s going to take place there.  His hour was coming, but He was not yet there.  In the meantime Jesus laments over Jerusalem.  He uses the imagery of a hen gathering her brood, which is what He wants to do with God’s chosen people.  He’s expressing sorrow because He knows there will be many who reject Him.  Some would even cry out to Pilate “Let His blood be on us and our children,” and all Jesus wants to do is shed His blood for them.  He wants to be that perfect sacrifice for their sins.  Whether it’s the Jewish people then, or it’s us now, our stubbornness brings great sadness to God.  He wants all people to come to Him.  2^nd Peter 3:9 says The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.  I’ve come to a point of repentance to God through his Son Jesus, but I’m still thankful for His love and patience when in my own human stubbornness I do things on my own and I’m not following Him as fully and completely as I should. 

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the love you’ve demonstrated for us in our passage today; a love that brings us in and protects us as the hen does for its chicks.  And even when we stray you never stop loving us.  Thank you Lord for Your steadfast love.  Amen.