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Luke 13:34 (BSB)
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!” — Luke 13:34
This moment is packed with emotion! Picture a mother hen, wings outstretched, longing to gather her chicks close for protection and warmth. That’s the heart of what Jesus is expressing here. He’s deeply saddened because, despite His desire to gather and care for them, the people of Jerusalem are turning away. It’s like He’s saying, ‘I want to protect you, to love you, but you’re resisting me!’ This is a vivid image of love and longing, showing how much He cares, but also highlighting the pain of rejection. It’s intimate and powerful, like a heartfelt plea from someone who just wants the best for you but can’t force it upon you.
This book was written by Luke, a physician and a keen observer. He wasn’t one of the original disciples, but he was dedicated to understanding and sharing the story of Jesus accurately. Luke’s perspective is unique because he focuses on the compassion and humanity of Jesus. By including this poignant moment, Luke shows us that Jesus isn’t just a distant figure; He’s deeply invested in the lives of people. He wants us to see the personal, caring side of Jesus, which adds a rich layer to the narrative. It’s like Luke is sharing a secret about how much Jesus truly loves us and wants us close.
This was happening in a time when Jerusalem was the center of religious life, but also a place of conflict and rejection. The world was under Roman rule, and many people were struggling with oppression and uncertainty. It was a moment in history where hope and despair coexisted. Jesus’s message was radical, challenging the status quo, and calling for genuine change. Understanding this backdrop helps us grasp the urgency and passion behind His words. It’s like being in a tense situation where a leader is trying to rally support, knowing the stakes are incredibly high.
This verse matters today because it speaks to that feeling of wanting to be loved and accepted, and the pain of rejection. You might have felt the longing to connect with someone who just didn’t want to be close. This same feeling plays out in our lives: the struggle to reach out, to offer love, and sometimes getting pushed away. It reminds us that we have a choice in how we respond to love and guidance in our lives. It’s a powerful reminder that the desire for connection is real and that sometimes, we need to be willing to open our hearts, even when it’s hard.
This week, think about ways you might be resisting love or guidance in your life. Is there someone reaching out to you with care that you’re not acknowledging? It could be a friend offering support or even a message that resonates with you. Take a moment to reflect: How can you be more open to those connections? Maybe it’s as simple as reaching out to someone, being vulnerable, or accepting help when it’s offered. Practice being like that mother hen—open and ready to gather others in, and let them gather you too.
In this chapter, Jesus is on a journey, sharing wisdom and calling out injustice. He’s addressing the city of Jerusalem, a place that has a history of rejecting those sent to guide them. Just before this moment, He’s been discussing the consequences of ignoring His message. This verse is the emotional peak of that conversation, where you feel the weight of His heartbreak. After this, He continues to express His sorrow and makes a prophetic statement about the future of Jerusalem. It’s like the climax of a story where you see the tension between love and heartbreak — a pivotal moment that shapes the narrative and deepens the urgency of His message.
How does this imagery of a hen gathering her chicks challenge you to consider your own openness to receiving love and guidance in your life?
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