Verse 31 A few Pharisees approach Jesus and warned him to leave because Herod wanted to kill him. One theologian says these Pharisees were pretending friendship and concern for Jesus’ safety so they could drive him out of Galilee, where he was getting lots of attention. But there are other passages that describe invitations the Pharisees sent for Jesus to share a meal. So we’re not sure what the true motivation is. The threat of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch over Galilee, held some merit. Herod didn’t like John the Baptist preaching about repentance and this is one of Jesus’ core messages.
Verse 32 Jesus calls Herod a fox because he lacked morals and betrayed trust. The king liked to prey upon people, but Jesus said nothing derogatory about this Roman leader. Jesus simply let the Pharisees know that fear of the king’s threats would not stop his mission of casting out demons, healing the sick, and even his own death. It will all establish the kingdom of God on earth.
Jesus needed to travel through Herod’s district to reach Jerusalem, where Jesus would complete his work. He had a mission to fulfill, and neither Herod’s rage nor the Pharisees’ possible ulterior motives would hinder him.
How easily are we scared off from Jesus’ mission in our lives? Do our lives lead to the cross? Is there evidence in our lives that we are a part of God’s established kingdom on this earth?
Verse 33 Jesus makes this comment that no prophet can perish outside of Jerusalem. A commentary noted that smaller courts did not want to judge whether a prophet was a true or a false prophet. The upper court, also known as the great Sanhedrin, made up of 71 sages, makes these kinds of decisions. They meet in Jerusalem.
Jesus Grieves over Jerusalem
Verses 34-35 We can find this portion in Matthew 23:37–39. At the thought of Jerusalem, the city that housed the temple, Jesus lamented over its centuries of rejecting God and his prophets. It grieves the Lord greatly when people profess religion and faith in God but yet live in sin.
As a hen desires to protect her chicks, Jesus longed to do the same for Jerusalem. He receives those poor in spirit and protects anyone who comes to Him. But the people of Jerusalem were more interested in dressing up their temples and making religion their idol. Jesus wasn’t in it. Since the holy city was rejecting its Messiah, he would have to reject her.
After his death and resurrection, Jerusalem would not see him again until his return to reign as King in his kingdom.
How might we be resisting Jesus in our lives as Jerusalem did? Do you recognize God’s messages and His kingdom agenda in your life?
Prayer
Jesus, you are a great example of what being on mission looks like. No fear or threats of harm can stop you. Help us live with that tenacity, perseverance, and resolve in the mission you have given us to fulfill. Help us live boldly for you and remain focused on Your kingdom work in all the work you give us to do. Thank you for your protection, your love, your nurturing, and your care for us. We have little to offer and yet you still take us under your wing. We do not fear death because on that glorious day we will come face to face with our Father and Savior. Every day we awake is one more day closer to our last day. So we live expectantly. We live full of your love and with your mission burning inside us to accomplish your purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.