In verse 30, Jesus had just concluded speaking to the present crowd about the day of judgment and those who would enter into heaven – saying that “some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” There will be many of great social standing, wealth, or popularity who will not make it. But there will also be many who are of meager means, or even socially shunned, that will come to be with the Lord.

Jesus and Nicodemus, Crijn Hendricksz, 1616–1645. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Then, we might be surprised to read that “in that very hour,” some Pharisees came urging Jesus to leave because Herod was planning to kill him. We are inclined to think of all Pharisees as being adversaries of Jesus. But it is estimated that the number of Pharisees in Israel at the time was in the thousands. Many of those became believers, as Nicodemus did (John 3:1-21, John 19:38-42). Jesus’ answer for them to give Herod included the statement that “the third day I finish my course” was obviously referring to his coming death and resurrection. It would be a statement that would have great meaning for them later.

Jesus then laments Jerusalem, calling it “the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!” He says that He often would have gathered its people “as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” God loved Israel for so long, and gave its people every chance to serve Him, but here they would reject him for the last time. The sadness for this fact, expressed by Jesus in verses 34-35 had to be very real and very deep.

(This year’s reading plan for Luke, Acts, and 1 and 2 Chronicles averages just 15 verses per day – 5 days per week!)
Schedule for this week
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from Luke here
Read or listen to audio of today’s selection from 1 Chronicles here

/Bob’s boy

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some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please note: I did not design the reading plan that I am following in my blog.  All of my comments in this blog, however, are solely my responsibility.  When reading ANY commentary, you should ALWAYS refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word. Reading schedules, as well as a link to the site where you can get the reading plan that I’m currently following for yourself can be found on the “Bible Reading Schedules” page of my website at http://graceofourlord.com.