“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”.    Luke 13 : 34

Readings this week Genesis 15 : 1 – 12, 17 - 18; Philippians 3 : 17 – 4 : 1; Luke 13 : 31 - end

Thought for this week

Jerusalem was such a special place for Jesus. Being brought up in the Jewish traditions Jerusalem had and still has huge significance for the Jewish people as the centre of worship and of their expectations in their relationship with the Lord.

Just a few weeks ago we remembered how Jesus as an infant was brought into the temple, and was met by Simeon and Anna, full of the Holy Spirit. This was Jesus entering the world, not just the physical world, as in His birth, but the world in all its self interest, in its power games and scheming.

Simeon prophesies Jesus will bring the falling and rising of many. In our Gospel reading even the Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod, who Jesus calls ‘that fox”.

There are plenty of foxes in our world today. Yet Jesus comes in peace, offering protection, shelter, He longs to gather people to Him. While Jesus laments for the city, He does not seek protection for Himself.

So Jesus journeys to Jerusalem knowing He will be arrested, and crucified. Jesus’ concern is only to fulfil the purposes of the Lord, and to bring salvation and hope to all who look to Him and believe.

Rev Paul

Prayers for this week

Almighty God, you show to those who are in error the light of your truth, that they may return to the way of righteousness: grant to all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s religion, that they may reject those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Almighty God, by the prayer and discipline of Lent may we enter into the mystery of Christ’s sufferings, and by following in his Way, come to share in his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

People to pray for

For all those seeking protection

For peace in Jerusalem and across the Middle East