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Matthew 23:37 (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!” — Matthew 23:37
Imagine a mother hen, wings outstretched, inviting her chicks to come close, to find safety and warmth. That’s the heart of this moment! You can feel the deep emotion here—frustration, sadness, longing. It’s like someone saying, 'I wanted to protect you, to care for you, but you just wouldn’t let me in.' This verse captures the tender yet painful desire to connect and care for those who resist. There’s a sense of urgency and love, showing you how much is at stake when we push away those who genuinely want to help us.
This book was written by Matthew, one of Jesus' followers. He wanted to share the story of Jesus and help people understand who He truly was. Matthew himself was familiar with rejection and outsider status, being a tax collector before following Jesus. This personal experience likely shaped his perspective, making him sensitive to the pain of those who feel left out or unwelcomed, which is why he included this heartfelt expression of Jesus’ desire for connection.
This was written in a time when Jerusalem was a bustling city, full of religious tension and political oppression. The people had high expectations for a leader who would save them from their struggles. Jesus’ words came in a moment when many were feeling hopeless and confused, yet they were often turning away from the very help that could save them. Understanding this setting helps you see the depth of Jesus’ sorrow and the urgency behind His call for connection.
This verse matters because it highlights the universal struggle we all face: the tension between wanting to connect and the fear or unwillingness to let others in. It’s a reminder that there’s a loving presence reaching out to you, wanting to gather you, protect you, and nurture you. Today, it challenges you to consider how you might be pushing away support or love, even when you need it the most. It’s an invitation to open your heart and let that warmth in!
This week, take a moment to reflect on the relationships in your life. Is there someone trying to offer you support or guidance? Maybe it’s time to reach out and let them in. You could set aside some time to talk with a friend about what you’re going through, or even write a note to someone who’s been there for you. Actively opening yourself up to connection can be a powerful way to embrace the love that’s being offered.
In this chapter, Jesus is confronting the religious leaders and the people of Jerusalem. He’s expressing disappointment over how they’ve repeatedly ignored the messages sent by prophets—those messengers of truth and hope. Leading up to this verse, Jesus talks about the failures of these leaders and how they’ve created a culture of rejection towards those wanting to help. This moment is the culmination of His grief and a pivotal point in showing the tragic disconnect between His love and their resistance. It’s a dramatic and emotional high point in the narrative, where the tension of rejection reaches its peak.
What does it look like for you to let others in when you’re feeling vulnerable, just like those chicks trusting their mother hen?
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