If there were a school of discipleship, today’s Scripture would be core coursework in “Boldness 101”. Jesus is undeterred under the threat of a king who wanted him to come and -- like a puppet -- perform miracles for him (likely only to then kill him afterwards). This is what Herod did to John the Baptist, another dangerous teacher.

May today’s passage stir up boldness in us to follow in the footsteps of our Master. May we be on mission in service to the Father to such an extent that powers and principalities’ threats would not move us to not move. May the Spirit of Christ activate our Body.

[Luke 13.31-35]

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!’”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ The word fox that Jesus used in the original scripture meant “she fox” (v. 31). Some have struggled with His use of the feminine to express negativity towards Herod. But note 34 and the love and reverence Jesus has for females.

+ Jesus knew all Scripture. Read Amos 7.10-17. This will set your mind in the mind Jesus likely had towards the Pharisees. He likely also knew some of them to be sincere in their warning as Mark 12.33-34 shows that some of them were indeed near to finding God.

+ Think of the bitterness of those who are forsaken yet are guaranteed to say the words in v. 35.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is there anyone you know who -- when the trumpet sounds and the sky opens -- will bitterly say “blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord”? Is there anyone who would feel that terrifying sense of grief and think of your pursuit of them, or lack of pursuit? Is Jesus calling you after anyone?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Jesus was sending out the 12 and the 72. People were dangerously associating with Him during dangerous times. They did so because being near to Jesus was worth anything that could befall them. May we experience the Spirit of Christ so intimately that we disciple no matter the cost, and that we run the course set before us as disciples. If you aren’t started on that path, pray fervently that a spark would form in you.