Sunday 16/03/25

Second Sunday of Lent

Luke 13:31-end

Philippians 3:17 – 4:1

It has been said that nothing in this world is certain, except death and taxes.  But just as many seek to find tax loopholes, we are often living in denial of our mortality.  The subject of death, to put it mildly, does not really lend itself to a cheerful conversation.  St Paul calls it ‘the last enemy’ (1 Corinthians 15:26).  But, as he also says in today’s passage from the letter to the Philippians, we are destined for something greater; ‘our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.’ 

In the Gospel reading from Luke, we find Jesus being visited by some Pharisees, who say to him that he should leave, because Herod wants to kill him.  This comes just after Jesus has been teaching about the Kingdom of God with various parables.  His reply to the Pharisees – who showed him such concern over his welfare, serious or not – is a denial that Herod’s evil intentions could hinder his ministry.  Jesus calls him ‘fox’; an unflattering metaphor.  He also uses other words to describe his ministry, with a reference to ‘the third day’ when he finishes his work.  Until then, he will continue to cast out demons, heal the sick and proclaim the Kingdom of God that is now nearer than ever.  The other thing he says, is about Jerusalem; a special word for her, hinting at future developments.  In his reply to Herod that is to be delivered for him by the Pharisees (we don’t know if they ever did, and probably not, I should think, but that is not the point) Jesus declares that ‘it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’  Now why would that be, we may wonder?  It is probably bitter irony that leads to his lament that follows.  At Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem later, as described in chapter 19, we find Jesus lamenting over her again.  Now, in today’s passage, Jesus is already looking ahead to that moment and what comes after.  He compares himself to a mother hen that gathers her chicks under her wings.  And there are several sides to that image.  One is the protective nature of a hen with her brood and that covers them literally in the face of danger.  The other is that she will do that even to the point of her own death.  It has been recorded that hens have been found dead after a fire but with the chicks alive under the wings that shielded them.  It could not be plainer: Jesus is like that, willing to give up himself for those who have gone astray.  For that is what Jesus is saying about Jerusalem, a city that is an image for the world that he has come to save.  Jerusalem was a focal point for the people of Israel.  It had the Temple as a sign of their religion but it was also under Roman occupation and Rome ruled the world.  And, in fact, the people, ‘Jerusalem’, had a history of rebellion, of refusing the way of peace.  Not uncommon in today’s world either…  Their rebellion had meant God’s holy presence left the Temple and the city was left open to attack.  This had been the case in Israel’s history before, as we read in the Old Testament.  God has desired to rescue them and therefore, Jesus was on his way to be killed, not only for them but for the whole world.  In what follows, we shall see that Jerusalem does not accept Jesus as Saviour which is why Jesus laments her and speaks into the future with his words: ‘You will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”’  This, then, is what we shall see: Jesus the Servant King, who was obedient even unto death, so that we might live.  As with Jerusalem itself, it is important how we respond.  So may we indeed hear and welcome the Saviour. Amen.