"This text presents us with a snapshot of the context in which the events of Holy Week will unfold.
It also presents us with a snapshot of the context in which God's love is still at work. Are we not Jerusalem?"
Year C, Season of Lent
Second Sunday in Lent
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Luke introduces us to this Herod back in Luke 9:7-9. At that point, Jesus had sent out the twelve to practice their ministry. This had further spread Jesus' reputation - right up to the King's ears. As Luke puts it:
(Herod) was perplexed, because it was said by some that John (the Baptist) has been raised from the dead. ... Herod said, "I beheaded John; but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And Herod tried to see Jesus.
Chapter 9 of Luke then continues with the feeding of 5,000 men plus women and children; the declaration by Peter that the disciples say he, Jesus, is the Messiah; Jesus saying they are now headed to Jerusalem where the Son of Man will undergo great suffering, be killed, and on the third day be raised; and the story of the Transfiguration, Luke 9:28-36; etc. The following chapters continue to heighten the tension between Jesus and the religious authorities.
But now - surprisingly - it is these same opponents, the Pharisees, who now warn Jesus that apparently Herod has heard enough about Jesus that he wants to kill him. How come they do this?
However, though unintended, the Pharisees warning is much like one the tests we read about last week, Luke 4:1-13. Except instead of being tested with glory and authority and security - the test is fear. But the Pharisees are still encouraging Jesus to abandon his mission and save himself.
Verse 32. Jesus' response suggests that actually the Pharisees have the ear of Herod, and as far as Jesus is concerned are friends of Herod's.
I'd be curious to know if "fox" in Jesus' day might be closer to "weasel" or "rat" in our day. Certainly, Herod was a collaborator with the Romans.
"And on the third day I finish my work" is a saying that Jesus' friends would understand one way, and outsiders would be confused by.
Verses 33 to 35. Jesus re-affirms that he is headed for Jerusalem, knowing that he would be killed while his heart's desire is to be able to gather the city into her arms like a hen gathers her chicks for shelter.
This text presents us with a snapshot of the context in which the events of Holy Week will unfold.
It also presents us with a snapshot of the context in which God's love is still at work. Are we not Jerusalem?
And as much we desire to be the ones to greet Jesus with shouts of, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord," are we not also the ones who - like frightened chicks - will not be gathered; will not be comforted; and in our fear will kill - or at best, will give life in our living - to God's great love for us all?
David Ewart,
www.davidewart.ca
* Link to Amazon.com Bibliography for Bruce Malina, et. al., Social Science Commentary on ... The Synoptic Gospels; The Gospel of John; The Book of Acts; The Letters of Paul; The Book of Revelation; and others.
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