Scripture Readings: Luke 13:31-35, Philippians 3:17–4:1
In Luke 13:31-35, the Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod’s threat, shouting to Jesus, “Leave, Herod wants to kill you.” Jesus fearlessly responded to them, “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.” Jesus wanted to continue His work even in fearful situations. He will not alter his course for Herod, nor will he change his time schedule.
Jesus wanted to complete His mission that would culminate and end in Jerusalem where death awaits. He followed God’s divine plan, not human threats. Faithfulness to God often invites opposition, yet Jesus models courage and unwavering purpose. Jesus stands firm in His calling, refusing to be controlled by fear or threats. His confidence is not arrogance but obedience to God’s will.
In verse 34, Jesus expressed His deep sorrow over this murderous city, not with anger or condemnation, but with His gathering love. He would gladly sweep its citizens under his wings like a mother hen. But the chicks would not come. Jesus’ longing to gather His people reveals God’s deep love and sorrow over those who reject Him. Here, we can see Jesus’ invitation to the lost.
Messiah came to Jerusalem to save them, but the people of Jerusalem ignored him and missed God’s invitation. God’s gathering love is a love that longs, a love that reaches, and a love that remains even in the face of rejection. This is the heart of God – compassionate, protective, and patient. Just as a hen shelters her young from harm, so God longs to embrace His people, offering them security, peace, and belonging.
The tragedy of rejection does not diminish His love; rather, it deepens His sorrow. Even when we turn away, Jesus still offers hope, His arms remain open, always ready to welcome us home. His mission does not end in sorrow but in redemption for all who turn to Him. This is the relentless, redemptive love of God – a love that gathers, a love that grieves, and a love that never gives up on us.
In Philippians 3:17 – 4:1, Paul urges believers to imitate him and others who live faithfully because discipleship grows through Christ-centred examples. Paul’s example was Christ. He then lived out the Christ model as he ran the race.
He contrasts two types of people: those who set their minds on earthly things and those who press on toward their heavenly calling. He warns about those who are enemies of the cross – those whose focus is on worldly gain rather than Christ.
In contrast, believers are called to keep their eyes on their eternal home, living as citizens of heaven, and true faith looks beyond earthly concerns. Our hope is not in temporary things but in the transformation Christ brings. When we lean on his power, learn from his pain, and rest in his plan, we grow closer to Christ.
Regarding true citizenship, believers belong to God’s kingdom, not this world. Jesus will fully establish the kingdom of God, where we have citizenship. While we wait, may we participate in kingdom activities, not worldly activities.
Our hope is in Christ, who will transform us into His glorious image. In light of our heavenly citizenship, we are called to remain steadfast in faith, living with confidence in Christ. Paul urges believers to stand firm and embrace their identity in Christ. May we stand firm in the Lord.
To stand firm in the Lord is to walk with unwavering faith, knowing that our journey is not aimless but directed by Christ Himself. As disciples, we are not called to hesitate in fear or be swayed by distractions but to move forward with joy, passion, and love just as Jesus did. He knew His path and embraced it, even when it led to the cross. Likewise, we must know where we need to go – whether in serving, forgiving, or proclaiming His name – and go there with hearts ablaze for His kingdom.
Our strength comes not from our own abilities but from the Lord who goes before us. When we walk in His purpose, we find that every step, even the difficult ones, are filled with meaning, hope, and the power of His unfailing love. Just as Jesus remained steadfast in His journey, may we stand firm in faith, resisting fear and distractions that pull us away from Christ.
Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a journey that calls us to walk with Jesus toward the cross, embracing both the challenges and the hope of discipleship. In today’s readings, we see Jesus’ unwavering commitment to His mission despite rejection and threats, and we hear Paul’s call to stand firm in faith as citizens of heaven.
Jesus models courage, love, and perseverance, and we are called to follow Him in the same way. Believers belong to God’s kingdom, not this world. Let our choices reflect the love of Christ and our eternal hope.
There were many things that impressed me on my trip to Spain, but one of my personal favourites was the Prado Museum in Madrid, where I saw paintings by Goya and El Greco. This is “Christ Carrying the Cross” painted by El Greco (1600s): This painting emphasizes the weight of the cross and the determination in Christ’s expression, highlighting His commitment to the path laid before Him.
To quote one of the descriptions of the paintings on the website, in this painting, “Jesus’ head is slightly raised, and his watery eyes bear a serene, resigned expression as he looks to the heavens. There is no sign of pain on his face, however, and he shows neither anguish nor the effort of carrying the cross.”
When I look at this painting, I see Jesus’s grieving over Jerusalem and people and I am reminded of the Lord saying, “I must go on my way,” even if that way leads to the cross and death. In Lent, we travel the wilderness with him and pick up the cross on which he will be crucified.
We are a people who sometimes can be shaken in the midst of anxiety, difficulties and many challenges, but as we look to Jesus, who went unwaveringly the way he was supposed to go as the Messiah, may we stand firm in the Lord as his disciples and follow Him.
Jesus’ path was set for us – He did not abandon His mission, for His love compelled Him forward. The journey of faith is not easy, but we are called to stand firm, trusting in the power and promises of Christ. As we journey through Lent, let us take Jesus’ words to heart: “I must go on my way.” Dedication to God’s mission shows in one’s love for people. May we walk in His footsteps with courage, conviction, and love, pressing on toward the hope and glory of His kingdom.
As Jesus declares that He must continue His work “today and tomorrow and next day,” may the mission God has entrusted to us and our beautiful service continue not only yesterday, but today and tomorrow and the days to come. When we go on our ways in Christ, Christ will transform us into His Glory. Let us follow Christ with courage and conviction.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)