Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem
The repetition of "Jerusalem" signifies deep emotion and lament. In the Greek text, this repetition is a common Semitic expression to convey intense feeling. Jerusalem, the city of peace, is ironically the center of conflict and rejection of God's messengers. Historically, Jerusalem was the heart of Jewish worship and identity, yet it often strayed from God's path. This duality highlights the city's spiritual significance and its failure to live up to its divine calling.

who kills the prophets
This phrase underscores the tragic history of Jerusalem's resistance to God's messengers. The Greek word for "kills" (ἀποκτείνουσα) indicates a deliberate and violent rejection. Prophets were sent by God to guide and correct, yet they were often met with hostility. This reflects a broader pattern of human resistance to divine truth, emphasizing the cost of rejecting God's voice.

and stones those sent to her
Stoning was a common method of execution in ancient Israel, symbolizing communal rejection. The Greek term for "stones" (λιθοβολεῖ) conveys a sense of collective action against God's envoys. This phrase highlights the severity of Jerusalem's rejection, not just ignoring but actively persecuting those sent by God. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of hard-heartedness.

how often I have longed
The Greek word for "longed" (ἠθέλησα) expresses a deep, earnest desire. This longing is not a one-time feeling but a continuous yearning from Jesus. It reveals His compassionate heart and persistent desire for reconciliation and restoration. Despite repeated rejection, Jesus' love remains steadfast, illustrating the boundless nature of divine grace.

to gather your children together
The imagery of gathering is reminiscent of a shepherd collecting his flock or a hen gathering her chicks. The Greek word "gather" (ἐπισυναγαγεῖν) suggests an intentional and protective action. This metaphor speaks to Jesus' desire to bring the people of Jerusalem into a place of safety and unity under His care. It reflects God's parental love and the inclusive nature of His kingdom.

as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings
This simile draws from the natural world, portraying a hen's protective instinct. The imagery is tender and nurturing, emphasizing God's desire to shield and care for His people. In the Hebrew Scriptures, wings often symbolize refuge and divine protection (e.g., Psalm 91:4). This metaphor underscores the safety and warmth found in God's embrace, contrasting with Jerusalem's refusal to accept it.

but you were unwilling!
The phrase "you were unwilling" (οὐκ ἠθελήσατε) highlights the tragic reality of human free will. Despite Jesus' earnest desire to protect and save, the people of Jerusalem chose to reject Him. This unwillingness is a sobering reminder of the consequences of resisting God's call. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and openness to God's will, urging a response of faith and obedience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jerusalem
The city is central to Jewish identity and worship, often representing the people of Israel as a whole. It is a place of both spiritual significance and historical rebellion against God's messengers.

2. Prophets
These are God's messengers sent to guide, warn, and call the people of Israel back to faithfulness. Historically, many prophets faced rejection and persecution.

3. Jesus
The speaker of this verse, expressing His lament over Jerusalem's repeated rejection of God's messengers and His own ministry.

4. Chicks and Hen Imagery
This metaphor illustrates Jesus' desire to protect and nurture the people of Jerusalem, highlighting His compassion and care.

5. Rejection
The event of Jerusalem's unwillingness to accept Jesus and the prophets, leading to spiritual consequences.
Teaching Points
God's Persistent Love
Despite repeated rejection, God's desire to gather and protect His people remains steadfast. This teaches us about the depth of God's love and patience.

The Consequences of Rejection
Jerusalem's history of rejecting prophets serves as a warning about the spiritual consequences of turning away from God's message.

The Heart of Jesus
Jesus' lament reveals His deep compassion and sorrow for those who reject Him. Believers are called to share in this compassion for the lost.

Protection Under God's Wings
The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks underlines the safety and security found in God's presence. Believers are encouraged to seek refuge in Him.

Responding to God's Call
The unwillingness of Jerusalem serves as a reminder to be receptive to God's call and guidance in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of a hen gathering her chicks help us understand Jesus' heart for Jerusalem and for us today?

2. In what ways can we see the pattern of rejecting God's messengers in our own lives or communities?

3. How does the theme of God's persistent love in Luke 13:34 encourage you in your personal walk with Christ?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure we are receptive to God's call and not repeat the mistakes of Jerusalem?

5. How can we apply the concept of seeking refuge under God's wings in our daily challenges and spiritual battles?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 23:37
This parallel passage echoes Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, emphasizing the city's history of rejecting God's messengers.

Psalm 91:4
The imagery of being gathered under wings is reminiscent of God's protection and care, as described in the Psalms.

Isaiah 53:3
This passage speaks of the Messiah being despised and rejected, connecting to the theme of rejection in Luke 13:34.

Acts 7:52
Stephen's speech before his martyrdom references the persecution of prophets, aligning with Jesus' lament over Jerusalem.
Choice May Become HabitW. W. Wells.Luke 13:34
Divine Emotion, EtcW. Clarkson Luke 13:34
Divine MagnanimityLuke 13:34
The Hen and ChickensD. Fraser, D. D.Luke 13:34
The Moorhen and Her YoungLuke 13:34
The Saviour's Sorrow Over Lost MenJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Luke 13:34
Willingness to SaveW. Cadman, M. A.Luke 13:34
Christ's Farewell Words to the TheocracyR.M. Edgar Luke 13:22-35
People
Hen, Herod, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, Pilate
Places
Jerusalem, Road to Jerusalem, Siloam
Topics
Bird, Brood, Chicks, Death, Desired, Gather, Gathered, Gathereth, Gathers, Hen, Jerusalem, Kill, Killest, Killeth, Killing, Kills, Longed, Murderest, Myself, O, Often, Ones, Prophets, Putting, Refused, Stone, Stones, Stonest, Stoneth, Stoning, Takes, Wanted, Willing, Wings
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 13:34

     1175   God, will of
     1215   God, feminine descriptions
     2048   Christ, love of
     4366   stones
     4690   wings
     5707   male and female
     5721   mothers, a symbol
     5781   affection
     5946   sensitivity
     6689   mercy, of Christ
     7775   prophets, lives
     8239   earnestness
     8301   love, and enemies

Luke 13:31-35

     2318   Christ, as prophet

Luke 13:34-35

     2015   Christ, compassion
     5541   society, negative
     6026   sin, judgment on
     7241   Jerusalem, significance
     7464   teachers of the law

Library
A Changed Life
TEXT: "And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity: And he laid his hands on her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."--Luke 13:11-13. These verses present to us one of the most interesting stories imaginable--of interest to us first because it is one of our Lord's miracles,
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

True Sabbath Observance
'And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11. And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. 12. And when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13. And He laid His hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Strait Gate
'And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23. Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And He said unto them, 24. Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not he able. 25. When once the Master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and He shall answer and say unto you, I know
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Christ's Message to Herod
'And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected. 33. Nevertheless I must walk to-day, and to-morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.'--LUKE xiii. 32, 33. Even a lamb might be suspicious if wolves were to show themselves tenderly careful of its safety. Pharisees taking Christ's life under their protection were enough to suggest a trick. These men
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 21 and 23, Where the Kingdom of God is Said to be "Like unto Leaven, which a Woman
1. "The three measures of meal" [3461] of which the Lord spake, is the human race. Recollect the deluge; three only remained, from whom the rest were to be re-peopled. Noe had three sons, by them was repaired the human race. That holy "woman who hid the leaven," is Wisdom. Lo, the whole world crieth out in the Church of God, "I know that the Lord is great." [3462] Yet doubtless there are but few who are saved. Ye remember a question which was lately set before us out of the Gospel, "Lord," it was
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xiii. 6, Where we are Told of the Fig-Tree, which Bare no Fruit for Three Years; and of The
1. Touching "the fig-tree" which had its three years' trial, and bare no fruit, and "the woman which was in an infirmity eighteen years," hearken to what the Lord may grant me to say. The fig-tree is the human race. And the three years are the three times; one before the Law, the second under the Law, the third under grace. Now there is nothing unsuitable in understanding by "the fig-tree" the human race. For when the first man sinned, he covered his nakedness with fig-leaves; [3442] covered those
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
Discourse 11 "Enter ye in at the strait gate: For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, which leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in threat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Mat. 7:13, 14. 1. Our Lord, having warned us of the dangers which easily beset us at our first entrance upon real religion, the hinderances which naturally arise from within, from the wickedness of our own hearts; now proceeds to apprize
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Mustard Seed: a Sermon for the Sabbath-School Teacher
At this time of the year, Sabbath-school teachers come together especially to pray for a blessing on their work, and pastors are invited to say a word to cheer them in their self-denying service. This request I would cheerfully fulfill, and therefore my discourse will not be a full explanation of the parable, but an adaptation of it to the cheering of those who are engaged in the admirable work of teaching the young the fear of the Lord. Never service more important; to overlook it would be a grave
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 35: 1889

Accidents, not Punishments
Now, men and brethren, such things as these have always happened in all ages of the world. Think not that this is a new thing; do not dream, as some do, that this is the produce of an overwrought civilization, or of that modern and most wonderful discovery of steam. If the steam engine had never been known, and if the railway had never been constructed, there would have been sudden deaths and terrible accidents, not withstanding. In taking up the old records in which our ancestors wrote down their
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Liii. Repentance Enjoined. Parable of the Barren Fig-Tree.
^C Luke XIII. 1-9. ^c 1 Now there were some present at that very season [At the time when he preached about the signs of the times, etc. This phrase, however, is rather indefinite--Matt. xii. 1; xiv. 1] who told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered and said unto them, Think ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they have suffered these things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Sabbath Healing. Mustard Seed and Leaven.
(Probably Peræa.) ^C Luke XIII. 10-21. ^c 10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath day. [Our Lord's habit of teaching in the synagogue, which had been for some time interrupted by his retirement, had probably been revived during the mission of the seventy.] 11 And behold, a woman that had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years; and she was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up. [The use of the word "spirit" in this verse indicates that the curvature of the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
(Peræa.) ^C Luke XIII. 22-35. ^c 22 And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem. [This verse probably refers back to verse 10, and indicates that Jesus resumed his journey after the brief rest on the Sabbath day when he healed the woman with the curvature of the spine.] 23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? [It is likely that this question was asked by a Jew, and that the two parables illustrating the smallness of the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
ABOUT two months had passed since Jesus had left Jerusalem after the Feast of Tabernacles. Although we must not commit ourselves to such calculations, we may here mention the computation which identifies the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles of that year [4376] with Thursday the 23rd September; the last, the Great Day of the Feast,' with Wednesday the 29th; the Octave of the Feast with the 30th September; and the Sabbath when the man born blind was healed with the 2nd of October. [4377] In that
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ's Discourses in Peræa - Close of the Peræan Ministry
From the Parables we now turn to such Discourses of the Lord as belong to this period of His Ministry. Their consideration may be the more brief, that throughout we find points of correspondence with previous or later portions of His teaching. Thus, the first of these Discourses, of which we have an outline, [4708] recalls some passages in the Sermon on the Mount,' [4709] as well as what our Lord had said on the occasion of healing the servant of the centurion. [4710] But, to take the first of these
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Historical Situation
1. When Tacitus, the Roman historian, records the attempt of Nero to charge the Christians with the burning of Rome, he has patience for no more than the cursory remark that the sect originated with a Jew who had been put to death in Judea during the reign of Tiberius. This province was small and despised, and Tacitus could account for the influence of the sect which sprang thence only by the fact that all that was infamous and abominable flowed into Rome. The Roman's scornful judgment failed to
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

The Early Ministry in Judea
113. We owe to the fourth gospel our knowledge of the fact that Jesus began his general ministry in Jerusalem. The silence of the other records concerning this beginning cannot discredit the testimony of John. For these other records themselves indicate in various ways that Jesus had repeatedly sought to win Jerusalem before his final visit at the end of his life (compare Luke xiii. 34; Matt. xxiii. 37). Moreover, the fourth gospel is confirmed by the probability, rising almost to necessity, that
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

The Barren Fig-Tree.
"There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Completeness and Universality of his Character.
THE next feature we would notice is the completeness or pleromatic fullness of the moral and religious character of Christ. While all other men represent, at best, but broken fragments of the idea of goodness and holiness, he exhausts the list of virtues and graces which may be named. His soul is a moral paradise full of charming flowers, shining in every variety of color under the blue dome of the skies, drinking in the refreshing dews of heaven and the warming beams of the sun, sending its sweet
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those Discouragements which He must Expect to Meet when Entering on a Religious Course.
1. Christ has instructed his disciples to expect opposition and difficulties in the way to heaven.--2. Therefore a more particular view of them is taken, as arising from the remainder of indwelling sin.--3. From the world, and especially from former sinful companions.--4. From the temptations and suggest ions of Satan.--5, 6. The Christian is animated and encouraged, by various considerations, to oppose them; particularly by the presence of God; the aids of Christ; the example of others, who, though
Philip Doddridge—The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul

The Sluggard.
The sluggard. The wishes that the sluggard frames, Prov 6:10; 24:30; 22:13; 20:4 Of course must fruitless prove; With folded arms he stands and dreams, But has no heart to move. His field from others may be known, The fence is broken through; The ground with weeds is overgrown, And no good crop in view. No hardship, he, or toil, can bear, No difficulty meet; He wastes his hours at home, for fear Of lions in the street. What wonder then if sloth and sleep, Distress and famine bring! Can he in
John Newton—Olney Hymns

St. Athanasius,
PART I (AD 325-337) Alexander, the bishop of Alexandria by whom Arius had been excommunicated, died soon after returning home from the Council of Nicaea; and Athanasius, who was then about thirty years of age, was chosen in his stead, and governed the Alexandrian Church for six-and-forty years. Every one knows the name of St. Athanasius, from the creed which is called after it. That creed, indeed, was not made by St. Athanasius himself; but, as the Prayer-book says, it is "commonly called" his, because
J. C. Roberston—Sketches of Church History, from AD 33 to the Reformation

Wesley's Remarkable vitality
1752. Sunday, March 15 (London).--While I was preaching at West Street in the afternoon, there was one of the most violent storms I ever remember. In the midst of the sermon a great part of a house opposite to the chapel was blown down. We heard a huge noise but knew not the cause; so much the more did God speak to our hearts, and great was the rejoicing of many in confidence of His protection. Between four and five I took horse, with my wife and daughter. The tiles were rattling from the houses
John Wesley—The Journal of John Wesley

The Hopeless Condition of the Left-Behind Ones.
What will happen when Christendom awakens to the solemn fact that the real Church, the Church of God, has been removed from this earth and taken to be with the Lord? Again we say, it is not difficult for our imagination to supply the answer. But we are not left to the exercise of our imagination; the Holy Scriptures contain a plain and full reply to our inquiry. The Word of God intimates that following the Rapture of the saints many of the left-behind ones will earnestly seek the salvation of their
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
Jesus, almost every year, went to Jerusalem for the feast of the passover. The details of these journeys are little known, for the synoptics do not speak of them,[1] and the notes of the fourth Gospel are very confused on this point.[2] It was, it appears, in the year 31, and certainly after the death of John, that the most important of the visits of Jesus to Jerusalem took place. Many of the disciples followed him. Although Jesus attached from that time little value to the pilgrimage, he conformed
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

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