Gospel Reflection for: October 31, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Luke 13:31-35 NRSVCE
Facing the Resistance: When Following Jesus Gets Tough
In Luke 13:31-35, Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, knowing full well that danger awaits him there. Some Pharisees warn him that King Herod wants to kill him, but Jesus isn’t fazed. He’s got a mission to complete, and nothing’s going to stop him. Then, he expresses his deep sadness over Jerusalem, a city that has a history of rejecting God’s messengers. This passage isn’t just about ancient history; it’s about the challenges we face when we choose to follow Jesus in a world that doesn’t always understand or accept our faith.
1. Staying Focused on the Goal
Imagine you’re training for a marathon. There will be days when you’re tired, sore, and tempted to quit. But you keep your eyes on the finish line, knowing that the reward is worth the effort. Jesus is like that. He knows he’s facing opposition and even death, but he stays focused on his mission, trusting in God’s plan.
- We all face obstacles and challenges in our lives. Maybe it’s a health issue, a financial setback, or a difficult relationship. This passage reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He’ll give us the strength to persevere, even when the going gets tough.
2. Love That Doesn’t Give Up
Jesus expresses deep sorrow over Jerusalem, a city that has repeatedly rejected God’s prophets. It’s like a parent who loves their child unconditionally, even when that child rebels and makes bad choices. Jesus’ love for Jerusalem doesn’t waver, even in the face of rejection.
- We’ve all experienced the pain of rejection – a friendship that ends, a romantic interest that’s not reciprocated, or even feeling like we don’t belong in a certain group. This passage reminds us that God’s love for us is unwavering, no matter what mistakes we’ve made or how others treat us.
3. The Cost of Saying “Yes” to Jesus
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. It might mean going against the crowd, challenging the status quo, or even facing persecution. Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem is a reminder that sometimes, standing up for what’s right comes at a cost.
- Think about those who have been persecuted for their faith throughout history – those who were imprisoned, tortured, or even killed for their beliefs. This passage honors their sacrifice and reminds us that following Jesus might require us to make difficult choices and stand firm in our convictions, even when it’s unpopular.
4. The Open Invitation
Even though Jesus knows he’ll face rejection in Jerusalem, he still longs to gather its people under his wings, like a mother hen protecting her chicks. It’s a beautiful picture of God’s love, always reaching out, always offering protection and comfort.
- We all long for that sense of belonging, that feeling of being safe and protected. This passage reminds us that God’s arms are always open to us, no matter what we’ve done or where we’ve been.
A Prayer for Courage and Acceptance:
Jesus, give us the courage to follow you, even when it’s difficult. Help us to face opposition with grace and to love those who reject us. May we always be ready to embrace your love and to share it with others, even in the face of adversity. Amen.
Remember: Following Jesus might lead us down a path that’s not always easy or popular. But it’s a path that leads to true life, to a deeper relationship with God, and to a hope that can never be taken away.
May God bless you as you share His love, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.