O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!’ - Luke 13:34-35

Devotion

Read Luke 13:31-35

As we continue our journey through Lent, we find ourselves at a familiar crossroads—a moment to decide, once again, which path we will take.

In today’s passage, we witness Jesus’ deep sorrow over God’s chosen people. When he laments, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” he is not just speaking of the city where he will die, but of the entire nation of Israel—God’s chosen people, whom he had called and blessed to be a light to other nations. Instead of embracing their role, they became hardened, resisting the very God who pursued them. Again and again, he sent prophets to call them back, yet they rejected his messengers and turned away.

Now, God sends his Son—the ultimate messenger of salvation. But once more, they resist. The religious leaders, instead of recognizing their need for grace through the law, used it to elevate themselves. Their pride and self-righteousness blinded them to their own need for a savior. They rejected the very One who came to heal and restore them.

Yet, in Jesus’ lament, we hear heartbreak: "How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” This is the Father’s love on full display—a love that longs to nurture, protect, and restore. But God never forces himself on us. He allows us to choose, even when our rejection leads to our own destruction.

Lent is a time of decision, and we stand at a familiar fork in the road. Jesus calls us to recognize him as Lord, to trust in his grace rather than our own efforts. Will we turn to him in repentance and rejoice in his salvation? Or will we, like Jerusalem, resist and rebel—clinging to our pride, our self-sufficiency, and our own way?

The choice is before you. Which path will you take?

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for your unconditional love and your enduring pursuit of us. You long to draw us close, but too often we resist. Soften our hearts and help us surrender our pride and self-sufficiency. Help us choose the path that leads to you, trusting in your love and grace. Amen.

Jennifer Ayotte
Director, Communications

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