Sunday 16 March 2025
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." (v. 31)
Background
Earlier in Luke's Gospel (in Luke 9:51) we read that Jesus had set his face towards Jerusalem, yet three chapters on and it doesn't seem like he's made a lot of progress. However, although he hadn’t arrived in Jerusalem by this point, it is still very much on his mind and in his focus.
Luke 13:22 tells us that Jesus had been going through one town and village after another, teaching as he went. It was while he was teaching that some Pharisees approached him with a warning that Herod was seeking to kill him, encouraging him to leave.
Luke’s portrayal of the Pharisees is certainly mixed. Jesus eats with them, but then verbally attacks them. This leads to the Pharisees becoming hostile towards him and seeking to trap him (Luke 11:37-54). However, in his sequel, the Book of Acts, Luke speaks of there being Pharisees who, even if not supportive, were open to the possibility of Jesus being the Messiah (Acts 5:34-39); and even some Pharisees who had converted (Acts 15:5).
In telling Jesus to go, it is possible that these were moderate Pharisees concerned for Jesus’ wellbeing. Equally, they might have been hoping to scare him in order that he might leave their patch. It is a reminder that the situation is more complex than is sometimes presented in church.
Jesus’ response was to remain steadfast to his mission and focus on Jerusalem. He spoke of Jerusalem as a clutch of chicks and alludes to the twin threats chickens might face – predators and fire. Labelling Herod as a fox he might have been suggesting that Herod is the real threat to them. When fire strikes, hens have been known to shelter their chicks under their wings. He connects himself to God in this image, as the hearers would have been familiar with Psalm 91:4. Sadly, the ‘chicks’ were unaware of the threats and refused to heed the call to find refuge.
Finally, though Jesus wants to be clear that his impending death won’t be a defeat or a mistake, he also sets it in the context of his wider understanding of salvation. Jesus proclaims in verse 32 that he is healing and curing before his ministry is complete. For those who have received that healing, salvation has arrived in their midst.
To Ponder:
- In what ways might we be like those chicks refusing the refuge that Christ offers?
- Particularly as we approach Holy Week, how might we present a more rounded picture of Jesus’ relationship with his Jewish faith?
Prayer
Merciful Christ, may we find refuge and healing in you today. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.