The Dwelling Place of God

GETTING STARTED

You pack the suitcases, cram the trunk full, and buckle up. About fifteen minutes into an eight-hour drive you hear, “Are we there yet? How much longer?” If you‘ve been in a car with a child on a long road trip, you’ve answered these questions. In today’s passage, Jesus continued his long trip to Jerusalem for the Triumphal Entry and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies. Though he did not have whining children in the backseat, he did encounter some annoyances along the way. 

  • How does knowing how far you are going on a very long road trip make it easier to handle the trip? What are the benefits of setting expectations for life, in general?

READ THE WORD: LUKE 13:31-35 (ESV)

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 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. 33 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.’ 34 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 were not willing! 35 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!’”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What news did the Pharisees deliver as Jesus continued on his way to Jerusalem? What did they want Jesus to do?
  2. How did Jesus show his opinion of the religious leaders (vs. 32) and his resolve to enter Jerusalem (vs. 33)?
  3.  In verses 34-35, Jesus emotionally addressed Jerusalem. Why was Jesus sad for Jerusalem? What had they done or not done?
  4. Is there an area in your life right now you know God wants to “gather under his wings,” but you have been unwilling to relinquish? What might that show about your relationship with Jesus?

RESPOND TO GOD

Jesus was not naïve or oblivious to the pain he was about to face. He knew he was going toward Jerusalem to be savagely killed, and he cried out to Jerusalem because the city was the desire of his heart. God had designated Jerusalem to be his very own (2 Chronicles 6:6) and the place of his dwelling. He was willing to give his life for what he loved so much. Now the New Testament declares our hearts to be the dwelling place of God (John 14:23), so when Jesus cried out for Jerusalem, he was crying out for you and for me with passion and love. Jesus wants to gather us under his wings, but we have to be willing. 

  • Thank God for his miraculous plan of salvation—that he would send his one and only, sinless son to die for us. Thank God that he thinks we’re worth it.