The Audience Luke Is Writing To
Luke continues writing to Theophilus and readers seeking clarity about Jesus’ mission, courage, and compassion. Therefore, he includes this interaction to reveal that Jesus remains fully committed to His purpose even in the face of rejection.
Luke 13:31-35 NASB
Just at that time some Pharisees approached, saying to Him, “Go away, leave here, for Herod wants to kill You.” And 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 reach My goal.’ Nevertheless I must journey on today and tomorrow and the next day; for it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! Behold, your house is left to you desolate; and I say to you, you will not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!'”
Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus’ Character
The focus is rejection, perseverance, and compassion. Jesus reveals Himself as the one who continues moving toward His mission while grieving over those who refuse His invitation.
The People in the Interaction
This interaction includes:
• Jesus, responding with courage and sorrow
• The Pharisees, warning Him about Herod
• Herod, referenced as opposition
• Jerusalem, representing ongoing rejection
What Happened in the Scene
Some Pharisees approach Jesus with a warning:
Herod wants to kill Him.
However, instead of retreating in fear, Jesus responds with complete confidence.
He declares that His mission will continue exactly as planned.
He will keep teaching.
And He will keep healing.
He will continue moving toward Jerusalem.
Then, the tone shifts dramatically.
Jesus begins lamenting over Jerusalem.
He describes the city as one that repeatedly rejects and kills God’s messengers.
Then, He reveals His heart:
He longed to gather the people together like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.
However, they were unwilling.
And immediately, the tragedy becomes clear.
The issue was never a lack of invitation.
It was a refusal to respond.
Mood and Tone
The tone moves from warning → courage → sorrow → longing → judgment.
And through each stage, both strength and compassion become visible.
What Jesus Said
Jesus emphasizes:
• His mission will not be stopped by intimidation
• God continually reaches toward people
• Rejection carries consequences
• Human unwillingness creates separation
The Response of the Others
• The Pharisees attempt to warn or pressure Jesus
• Jesus remains unwavering
• Jerusalem continues resisting despite repeated opportunity
The Lesson for Us in 2026
1. Courage Remains Focused on Purpose
Fear should not redirect the mission.
2. God’s Invitation Is Persistent
His desire is restoration—not destruction.
3. Rejection Is Often Rooted in Unwillingness
The issue is frequently resistance, not lack of opportunity.
4. Compassion and Truth Work Together
Jesus speaks honestly while still expressing deep love.
Final Reflection
The moment of Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem reveals something deeply important:
God does not respond coldly to rejection.
Jesus grieves over it.
He invites.
He calls.
And He reaches outward repeatedly.
However, love does not force a response.
And eventually, unwillingness carries consequences.
So the question becomes:
Are we resisting the very invitation God continues extending toward us?
