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Morning Devotion for the Season after Pentecost
November 8, 2024
Reading: Luke 13:31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” 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! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
Meditation: Jo Ann B. Jones
It seems I often lose sight of the number of times that Jesus refers to his own impending death. It is astounding to me how he bears this knowledge. It is interesting that he never discloses how this affects him…at least, not until those hours in the Garden of Gethsemane. Think of the strength, poise and faith that Jesus possesses. And in this moment, he even manages a bit of humor. “Go and tell that fox for me.” referring to Herod. It is as if he acknowledges a relationship with Herod that is not based on fear or antagonism. It seems Jesus even has a sense of grudging admiration for Herod. (And Herod does prove to be more wily at the end.) An apt description, since in a way it’s hard to pin Herod down. In any event Jesus is not subject to Herod in any fashion.
And, yes, Christ’s use of humor is a testimony to Christ’s humanity. What I also sense here is Christ’s unwavering dedication to his mission and his confidence that, even in the face of death, he will overcome it. He accepts the death that waits for him and agrees that it can take place nowhere else, lifting up the primacy of Jerusalem, to which attaches for Jerusalem an unfortunate legacy.
For the most important and outstanding fact is that his upcoming death is the primary part of his mission. Jesus is going to die, but it will have nothing to do with the threat of Herod. Rather, his death is the completion of his present ministry. He characterizes this ministry as “casting out demons, so as to effect the closeness of the kingdom of God and performing cures. Both activities are by themselves important:
And one needs to reevaluate Jerusalem for this city assumes a tragic role in the future in that it is the ending point of Jesus’ travel, journey, ministry and life on earth That the traditional city of God’s habitation becomes the seat of such violent opposition to God is part of the ironic tragedy of Israel’s own story, including Jesus’ story.
Violence inflicted on a collective of peoples or a nation by external forces usually provokes lament. Yet when the violence is inflicted by internal forces and authorities, lament is slow to come, especially when masses of people have been convinced that the violence is necessary or when the perpetrators are convinced that they are doing God’s will and acting in the best interest of the nation. There is no need for Jesus to get away from it all, because Jesus is very present in the midst of it all.
The judgment, though, is a difficult one with which to wrestle. It has implications for us all. Bear in mind that history is extraordinarily complicated and rarely draws a clean line between right and wrong, good and evil. It is important to bear in mind, therefore, that, when judgment is declared, the purpose for its declaration is that those upon whom the judgment falls may come to know their plight, repent, and be forgiven. Judgment is pronounced for the sake of salvation.
Prayer for the Serene Faith of Christ
Set before our minds and hearts, O heavenly Father, the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who when he was upon earth, found his refreshment in doing the will of him that sent him, and in finishing his work. When many are coming and going, and there is little leisure, give us grace to remember him who knew neither impatience of spirit nor confusion of work, but in the midst of all his labors held communion with thee, and even upon earth was still in heaven; where he reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
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