Luke 13, Part 4

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Observation: Jesus is warned by some Pharisees that Herod is out to kill Him and He needs to hide. Jesus is unafraid because He knows His fate. Instead, He laments for Jerusalem, who killed the prophets. He has wanted to gather Israel as a mother hen gathers her chicks, but Israel resisted by rejecting Him. He tells them that their house is left desolate, meaning exile because of their disobedience (as Jeremiah also warned in Jeremiah 12:7 and 22:5). This desolation will last until Israel recognizes Jesus as being the Messiah, sent by God.

Application: Israel's hope is not yet lost. Jesus said His return would be when the nation of Israel proclaims, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." Our hope is not lost, either. Jesus' return is imminent, but there is still time to repent. God wants us to recognize His Son, and follow Him.

Prayer: Father, You are not slow in keeping Your promise, but instead Your desire is for everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Your Word tells us to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" (Psalm 122:6), and so I pray for peace for the nation of Israel, repentance of their sins, and that Israel may bless You once again. May it be as Your Word speaks. In Christ Jesus, Amen.