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Luke 13: An Emotional Teacher

by Bob Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

Today's Bible Reading: Luke 13

Selected Biblical Text
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Luke 13:31-35 ESV)

Reflecting and Thinking
When I think of Luke 13, I think of a chapter filled with emotion. One can hear the pathos in Jesus' voice as he teaches about repentance and fruitfulness. How did Jesus feel when people were humiliated, or when people delighted in evil? Does he not hope that some among his listeners will catch on when he talks about the kingdom as mustard seed and yeast? Is that sorrow we hear in his voice as he describes the narrow door? Despite the need to answer Herod's emissaries, the sorrow crescendos to an unmistakable forte as Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.

What things fill you with emotion? When have you been deeply sorrowful about a spiritual matter? How would you describe your attitude toward those around you who are lost? Are you concerned about the fruitfulness of other Christians? Do you pray about the lack of effectiveness of the church? What personal applications could you make from our reading or from this chapter?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach us to care like Jesus cared. Help us to hear his heart so we can become like him. Help us to weep about our world's separation from and departure from you. Help us understand more clearly the stakes involved, and help us to find meaningful emotional involvement with those we can touch for Jesus. We pray in His name, Amen.


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Last updated January 2019