Luke 13:31-35·~1 min

Lament over Jerusalem

Some Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him, but he says he will keep driving out demons and healing until he reaches his goal. He declares that he must keep going because a prophet should not perish outside Jerusalem, then mourns over the city that has killed prophets and rejected his gathering care, ending with a house left desolate until the city blesses the coming one.

A³¹t that very hour, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him, “Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You.” ³²But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’ ³³Nevertheless, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, for it is not admissible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem. ³⁴O 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! ³⁵Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

Section summaryPharisees warn Jesus about Herod, but he continues his work and keeps moving toward Jerusalem. He laments the city that kills prophets, longs to gather its children, and announces that it will remain desolate until it welcomes the one who comes in the Lord’s name.

Role in the chapterThis closing movement joins resolve, lament, and judgment. Jesus does not turn aside from Jerusalem, and the city’s unwillingness brings desolation.