Luke 13:31-35 “And You Were Not Willing”

The Setting Jesus has set off towards Jerusalem He has warned his listeners they must either repent or perish He has presented parables, healed the sick, and taught that the way to salvation is narrow: “For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

The Passage (Luke 13) 31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”

The Passage (Luke 13) 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.’”

The Passage (Luke 13) 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.’”

The Passage (Luke 13) 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.’” John 19:30 Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

The Passage (Luke 13) 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.’ Eden Zion New Jerusalem

The Passage (Luke 13) 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!

The Passage (Luke 13) 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!’ (Ps 118)” Psalm 118 1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;     his love endures forever. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord     than to trust in humans.

Summary Luke 13 highlights the Lenten Tension between: God’s overwhelming mercy in Christ Our stubborn refusal to receive it

Summary Repentance is releasing whatever we hold onto and turning to receive God’s overwhelming mercy. Two examples: A friend Augustine

Question “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” What is it that motivates us to repentance? “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” Romans 2:4

Question C. S. Lewis: Our weak desires Our willingness to settle for less “like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by an offer of a holiday at the sea.”

OT Background (Isaiah 30) 15 This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (NIV)

OT Background (Isaiah 30) 15 But you were unwilling, 16 and you said, “No! We will flee upon horses”; therefore you shall flee away; and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”; therefore your pursuers shall be swift. (ESV)

OT Background (Isaiah 30) 18 Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you,     and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice;     blessed are all those who wait for him.

OT Background (Isaiah 30) 19 For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry.

How to Enjoy a Holiday at the Sea What keeps us from saying yes? What are the mud pies you prefer? The Spirit is revealing these things to us now – are you listening?

How to Enjoy a Holiday at the Sea Things we hold onto: Fears Dependencies Significance Solace Anger Envy

How to Enjoy a Holiday at the Sea God in Christ longs to take us more fully under his tender wings, to give us himself. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you.” Will we say yes?

Prayer of Confession Most merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone.

Prayer of Confession I have not loved You with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbor as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent.

Prayer of Confession For the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me, that I may delight in Your will, and walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your Name. Amen.