Be With Jesus

Luke 13:31–35

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’

In our Gospel reading for this week we see Jesus as a prophet who prepares us for his coming death in Jerusalem. During these 40 days of Lent, we journey with Jesus to the cross with the privilege of knowing the ending. Let us imagine, if we are able, what it would be like for those journeying with Jesus without knowing the end. What would we make of these strange, cryptic messages? How long would we continue to follow Jesus as he heals, preaches, teaches, and communes with those on the fringes of society? At what point would we call to question his obsession with his impending death? It may be impossible for us to fully imagine Jesus before his death and resurrection. However, in this season of reflection, let us take a few moments to be with Jesus, not of the gospels or of church tradition or doctrine. Let’s be with the Jesus of Nazareth in all his divinity and all his humanness as he defies societal norms and loves unconditionally.

Prayer: Jesus of Nazareth, you teach us to love unconditionally through your ministry and teaching. Forgive us when we fall short of service toward our neighbor. Amen