LUKE 13:31–35
JESUS’ LAMENT OVER JERUSALEM
Text – Luke 13:31–35
31 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. And 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.’”
Historical and Jewish Context
Some Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod Antipas, who had earlier executed John the Baptist. This shows that not all Pharisees opposed Jesus; some were concerned for His safety. Jesus’ response uses the image of a “fox”—a symbol for cunning and insignificance compared to divine authority. His reference to “today, tomorrow, and the third day” is a Semitic way of indicating a set, purposeful time, hinting at His death and resurrection. Jerusalem, the holy city, tragically has a long history of rejecting God’s prophets. A hen gathering her chicks was a familiar image of maternal protection. “Your house will be abandoned” alludes to the coming destruction of the Temple in AD 70.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus reveals both His courage and His compassion. He refuses to be intimidated by earthly powers because His mission is guided by the Father. His lament over Jerusalem expresses God’s sorrow when His people reject His love. The maternal imagery—God gathering His children like a hen with her brood—beautifully illustrates divine tenderness. Catholic theology sees in this passage the mystery of human freedom: God invites, protects, and longs to save, yet people may resist His grace. The final verse anticipates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and ultimately the recognition of His messianic identity at the end of time.
Parallels in Scripture
Ps 91:4 – God covering His people with His wings.
Jer 7:25–26 – Repeated rejection of the prophets.
Mt 23:37–39 – Parallel lament over Jerusalem.
Jn 10:11 – Jesus as the Good Shepherd protecting His flock.
Rev 1:7 – Every eye will see Him when He comes again.
Key Terms
Fox – Symbol of cunning but limited power before God’s plan.
Prophet – One sent by God; Jesus stands as the final and greatest prophet.
Gather like a hen – A metaphor for God’s protective, nurturing love.
Your house – The Temple and the spiritual home of Israel.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage appears in weekday liturgies and is significant during Holy Week. It helps deepen understanding of Jesus’ approach to Jerusalem, His mission, and His sorrow over hardened hearts. It is used in catechesis on divine mercy, free will, and the tragedy of rejecting God’s invitation.
Conclusion
Jesus continues His mission despite threats and opposition. He laments Jerusalem’s refusal to accept God’s love, even as He longs to protect and gather His people. Yet He points to a future moment when He will be joyfully acknowledged as the One sent by the Lord.
Reflection
Do I allow Jesus to gather me under His loving care, or do I resist His invitations? Am I attentive to His call to conversion, protection, and closeness? Jesus invites me to trust His heart, which longs to bring me home.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, draw me under the shelter of Your wings. Heal my resistance and soften my heart to Your love. Give me courage to follow You faithfully, and may I one day rejoice to welcome You as the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.