‘O 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 were not willing!’ (Mattheüs 23:37)
The religious leaders of Israel continued to bombard Jesus with questions: Who do you think you are? By whose authority are you acting? Precisely those who had such extensive knowledge of God’s words remained blind to the fact that God was fulfilling His promises through Jesus. How stubborn and blind we are as humans when we refuse to let go of our own thoughts and expectations about God and what He should do.
Jesus sharply confronted the religious leaders with their rejection. At the same time He continued to show God’s deep love. Just as a mother hen gives her chicks safety and shelter, so God longed through the ages to be a refuge and hiding place for all who choose to accept His love and grace (Zechariah 1:3-4; Psalm 91:4). Jesus’ lament is heartbreaking: ‘But you were not willing!’ How it causes God grief that people do not want to accept His rest, peace, forgiveness and healing. Jesus’ journey to and in Jerusalem was one of confrontation, rejection and increasing hatred. And yet He did not turn away. His eyes were set on Jerusalem.Food for thought: ‘How often would I have gathered your children together’. Reflect on these words. How does it affect you? Turn your thoughts into a prayer.