Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 13 :31-35 "WERE THE WORDS OF JESUS UNDERSTOOD?"
Day 180 – Luke 13
Text: Luke 13 :31-35
WERE THE WORDS OF JESUS UNDERSTOOD?
The reply of Jesus to the question of salvation was not cryptic. In fact, His message was all too clear! The Scribes and the Pharisees heard Him and understood His message.
They knew that Jesus was warning them that if they persisted in their rejection of the Gospel message, they would be among those who are NOT included in the kingdom of God!
To their mind, this was unthinkable. Thus they rejected the thrust of the Gospel message Jesus taught that day! Instead of searching their hearts, and re-examining their theology, the Pharisees threatened Jesus.
“GET OUT AND DEPART FROM HERE, FOR HEROD WANTS TO KILL YOU” Luke 13:31
There was no mistaking the malice in these words hurled at Jesus. His messages were just too hot to handle!
When the Pharisees failed to get the better of Jesus in theological debates, they now resorted to using threats! One of the most insidious of threats must be to mention the name of Herod. He had a reputation that caused many to quake in their sandals!
The Pharisees sought to frighten Jesus. They imagined that Jesus would be intimidated at the threat of death – and at the hands of wicked Herod Antipas!
“GO, TELL THAT FOX…” Luke 13:32
The Pharisees had read Jesus wrongly! He was not one to be intimidated by anyone, even if that enemy was Herod.
That Jesus was not afraid of Herod was obvious. He knew how crafty Herod was. He was indeed like a desert fox, wily and cunning . However, Herod did not frighten Him at all.
How astonished the people must have been to hear Jesus call Herod a “fox”. It was not unlikely that there would be some who were spies for Herod. Surely, they would report what Jesus said. Imagine calling Herod, “that fox!”
“BEHOLD, I CAST OUT DEMONS AND PERFORM CURES TODAY AND TOMORROW…” Luke 13:32
Why wasn’t Jesus intimidated by the mention of Herod? Let’s consider the following reasons…
1. Jesus had the power to cast out demons! Why should he who had power to cast out demons be afraid of a mere mortal?
2. Jesus had power to “perform cures”! He wielded the very power of God! Why should He be afraid of a mere human being?
3. Jesus knew that His life on earth would end soon. His life was not in the hands of Herod. His fate did not lie with Herod. The One who was in absolute control of everything was His own Father! This was his absolute faith and confidence. Why should He be afraid of anyone, even if his name was Herod!
“THE THIRD DAY I SHALL BE PERFECTED…” Luke 13:32
Jesus was not afraid of death! He had come to die… to redeem man from his sins! Of course, the Pharisees did not believe Jesus and they saw Him only as a mere mortal, who was subject to human fears!
How perfectly clear and calm Jesus was as He was threatened! He knew His Destiny. He would “be perfected”. His death would be the final chapter to be written. His death would be the climax of His earthly life and ministry! Why should He fear Herod at all?
“NEVERTHELESS I MUST JOURNEY TODAY, TOMORROW, AND THE DAY FOLLOWING; FOR IT CANNOT BE THAT A PROPHET SHOULD PERISH OUTSIDE OF JERUSALEM” Luke 13:33
We cannot help but sense the strength and courage of Jesus behind these words! He would not run for cover. He was totally unafraid of Herod, or any other enemy they could name.
He knew His journey only too well. He would head for Jerusalem. His journey would not last very much longer. He knew that this journey to Jerusalem would lead to His death! However, He was totally unperturbed!
Other prophets had died in Jerusalem. If the prophets of old were not afraid to die for what they believed in, why should He, the Son of Man, be afraid to die?
“O JERUSALEM, JERUSALEM, THE ONE WHO KILLS THE PROPHETS AND STONES THOSE WHO ARE SENT TO HER…” Luke 13:34
What a surprising twist of events! The Pharisees had thought that they would cause Jesus to be frightened or at least worried! They were wrong. However, they must have been quite surprised to hear these words of lament over Jerusalem.
1. Most Jews had an almost fanatical love for their capital, Jerusalem.
2. All religiously-inclined Jews held within their hearts a deep and almost mystical love for Jerusalem as “the city of God”.
3. Jerusalem was not only their capital city, it was also where the Temple stood. How could any Jew not love Jerusalem?
Yet, the words of Jesus were unmistakable. His view of Jerusalem was most upsetting. He viewed Jerusalem as a murderous city. He held Jerusalem accountable for killing many of God’s prophets sent to her! How could a Man with such views of Jerusalem be allowed to live?
“BUT WE SEE JESUS…”
How sad Jesus must have been as He came to the end of His life’s journey. In just a little while , His life on earth would end. He would continue to teach people about how they could enter into the Kingdom of God. He would also perform cures out of compassion and love. But would they come to faith in Him and be saved? Are you saved?