The Desire of Jesus: He Longs to Protect the People from Herod the Fox

Luke 13: 31-35 is a fascinating passage. Some Pharisees come to Jesus telling Him to run away because Herod wants to kill Him. Jesus likens Herod to a fox. Then He says something very interesting.

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” In one sentence Jesus reveals His deep longing to protect the people of Jerusalem. He doesn’t just want them “legally acquitted” before a judge. Jesus “longs”  for people to come underneath His righteous shelter. It is something that He “wants” in a deep way.

Secondly, Jesus calls Herod a fox and the people “chicks.” A fox eats chicks. Jesus is desiring to extend protection to the people from one of their enemies in the natural realm… namely Herod. Herod was appointed by the Romans to keep order. Herod built the temple but not for godly reasons, but for political reason. Jesus understands all of this and longs to extend His protection to the people.

As we continue to realize that Jesus is the perfect image of the invisible God – He reveals God’s deep longing for human beings to be safe inside the bounds of His salvation! God is constantly trying to draw people out of sin and evil and into His protection from natural and spiritual enemies.

Prayer: Father, I can see your desire to protect me more clearly. Help me, therefore, yield to your Spirit in realigning my life (repentance) to your good will. If you want to change things, I am seeing that it is always for my good. Help me go your way! Help me know that you care intensely for me. Cause me to see your wisdom and yield to your protection.