THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

79Jesus had begun His journey from Galilee to Jerusalem (9:51; 13:22) and in no way wasgoing to be intimidated by some self-aggrandizing monarch. Jesus’ agenda had been set beforetime began. Neither Herod nor any other powerful person or force could change that agenda.Jesus took orders from the Father and He was intent on carrying those orders out. There was nostopping the King of kings who was on a mission of mercy to die for mankind.It is not often we see Jesus stand up to people in all His regal glory and speak as Lord oflords. In most instances Jesus does not react to such threats but carries on His ministry of mercy.However, on this occasion He spoke with divine authority.Another example of such a response was when Jesus stood before Pilate who asked Himwhere He was from:“Where are you from?” Pilate asked Jesus. And Jesus did not answer. ThenPilate, probably feeling rebuffed by our Lord’s silence, threatened Him:’You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to releaseyou, and power to crucify you? Jesus answered him, ‘You would have nopower over Me unless it had been given you from above. . . .’” (Jn 19:9-11).“Go tell that fox. . . .”Spoken like a king!It seems our Lord is being sarcastic here in Luke (vv. 32 and 33; see also Jn 19:9-11). Hecalled Jerusalem the killer of prophets and that it would not be fitting for a prophet to die outsideof Jerusalem. Jesus says He will continue to cast out demons and heal the sick. He wasconstantly concerned about the spiritual condition of those with whom He dealt.Our concern should be the same as Jesus’. If we find we hardly witness at all, could it bebecause we simply are not that concerned with the spiritual well being of our fellow humanbeings?JESUS’ LAMENT (13:34-35)"O 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 herchicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left toyou desolate. I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, 'Blessed is hewho comes in the name of the Lord'" (vv. 34-35).