August 8

Luke 13:31-35 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' 34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 35Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

Observation

- Some Pharisees warned Jesus about King Herod wanting to kill him.
- Jesus calls Herod a fox. This animal is associated with negative characteristics, e.g., sly being one. This was a bold statement by Jesus as publicly calling a tyrant a fox would be considered very risky.
- “the third day I finish my course” was Jesus referring to his resurrection?
- Jesus talks about the killing of prophets before him and knows of the fate he shares and will one day have to endure.
- Jesus desires to protect Jerusalem, but is rejected by the people of Jerusalem. He foretells that Jerusalem will be destroyed.

Application

- Jesus longs for all persons (just as He did for the people of Jerusalem), whether we are Jew or Gentile, to accept Him as personal Savior. Yet, Jesus is constantly being rejected by people even though He knocks on their door. Not accepting Him means destruction for those individuals. Acceptance of Jesus on the other hand, is a life that is victorious over sin and blessed.

Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven,
Without your Son in our lives, we are headed for a life without purpose or meaning…. a life that leads to destruction. Help us to reach out to others and share the good news of Jesus Christ. It may not be a life that is void of suffering or pain, but it is a life filled with joy and contentment knowing we live in accordance with Your will and plan.
Amen

--Michael Hong