At that time some Pharisees came to him and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. 33 Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem. 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! 35 Behold, your house will be abandoned. [But] I tell you, you will not see me until [the time comes when] you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem (Lk. 9:51) and is warned by some of the Pharisees that he should change his plans because Herod Antipas wants to kill him. The Pharisees were portrayed on many occasions as plotting to kill Jesus (Jn. 11:47-53; Mk. 10:33; Mt. 20:18-19; Lk. 18:31-33), but in this instance, some appear to be trying to protect him. Jesus the prophet is on his way to Jerusalem in obedience to God to fulfill his mission. Jesus called Herod a “fox” (v. 32) because he was a tricky and sly person and referred to himself as a “hen” (v. 34). Jesus’ teaching runs counter to some of the accepted social norms of the time so he had enemies in powerful positions. Jesus will continue the works his Father tells him to do until he completes his mission and is raised up in Jerusalem where he must die and be resurrected (vv. 32-33).
Jesus has tried to place Israel under his loving care and protection like a hen gathering her chicks, but he is rejected (Mt. 23:37-39). The “house” that will be abandoned has been interpreted to mean the Temple which was destroyed in 70 CE, and it has also been interpreted to mean the downfall of the religious leaders who will be responsible for Jesus’ death (Jer. 22:1-9). Jesus ends his comments with a quote from Psalms, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” (Ps. 118:26). The Jews will not understand who Jesus truly is until his crucifixion (Mt. 27:54).
Almighty God, help us to trust in you with
all our heart and not rely on our own insights and understanding. Let your spirit increase our faith, hope, and
charity and help us to fulfill the purpose you designed for us. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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