SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT - Series C
17 March 2019
Reflections
Luke 13:31–35
Prayer in times of affliction and distress: Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in every situation they may recognize and receive Your gracious help, comfort, and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Luke 13:31-35 – Be faithful to God in spite of your enemies– At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus], “Get away from 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 finish my course. Nevertheless, 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.’ 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 would not! Behold, 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!’”
Herod Antipas, who had killed John the Baptist because John had reproved him for his sin with Herodias, now finds an even greater enemy in Jesus Christ. But Jesus is resolute: God, not Herod will determine the time and place of His death. Jesus will give His life in Jerusalem, the site of the temple, where God dwelt with His people and desired their true worship, though few of them rendered it.
The Gospel tells of Jesus’ great love for His people, as He laments over Jerusalem, and also teaches us to refuse to flee from your enemies.
Is this a good description? Whom also does this sound like?
What is the purpose priority of church today? Is it a gymnasium? Where we develop our spiritual muscles? Where work at becoming…
How is being faithful more than “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds?”
How is the church’s mission similar to a hospice?
The Savior in mercy has looked at you with love and concern. In response to the Savior’s mercy and grace, we serve our neighbor with compassion. For what is grace? Receiving what we do not deserve. What is mercy? Not receiving what we deserve. How might you apply these words?
How might we invite and bring with you your friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates and any other seeking to enter the kingdom of God?
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