37 “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!
Setting the Scene for Matthew 23:37
In Matthew chapter 23, Jesus is addressing a crowd of people in Jerusalem, specifically the scribes and Pharisees. The scene is set in the temple courtyard, where Jesus has been teaching and engaging in debates with the religious leaders. The atmosphere is tense as Jesus delivers a series of scathing rebukes against the hypocrisy and legalism of the scribes and Pharisees.
The scribes and Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to religious laws and traditions, have been challenging Jesus and questioning his authority. Jesus, in turn, condemns their outward piety while highlighting their lack of true righteousness and compassion. The crowd watches in awe as Jesus fearlessly confronts the religious elite, calling them out for their pride and self-righteousness.
As Jesus delivers his final lament over Jerusalem, expressing his deep sorrow for the city’s rejection of him as the Messiah, the onlookers are moved by his words. The tension in the air is palpable as Jesus warns of the impending judgment that will come upon the city for its unbelief. The scene is a powerful reminder of the importance of genuine faith and humility in the eyes of God.
What is Matthew 23:37 about?
This verse from the Gospel reveals Jesus’ deep compassion and longing for the people of Jerusalem. Just like a protective mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings for safety and warmth, Jesus expresses his fervent desire to gather and protect the people of Jerusalem. This imagery portrays Jesus as a caring and nurturing figure, seeking to shield those in need and provide them with love and security.
Reflecting on this verse, we can ask ourselves: What does this metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks teach us about Jesus’ character and intentions towards us? How does this image challenge us to think about our relationship with Jesus and our responsibility towards one another? We contemplate Jesus’ heartfelt desire to gather and protect us like a mother hen, inviting us to embrace his love and grace, and to extend the same care and compassion to those around us. Let us strive to embody the nurturing spirit of Jesus by reaching out to others with kindness, empathy, and understanding, just as he longs to gather us under his loving embrace.
Understanding what Matthew 23:37 really means
Commentary Structure:
- Introduction and Context
- Phrase Analysis and Underlying Meaning
- Cross-References and Broader Biblical Themes
- Relevance to Contemporary Life
- Anecdote for Illustration
- Jesus laments over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37, expressing profound sorrow and disappointment. This verse falls within a chapter where Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy and failure to guide the people spiritually. This verse encapsulates Jesus’ heartfelt yearning for His people and His deep sorrow over their rejection of Him.
Phrase Analysis and Underlying Meaning
The phrase “how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings” is rich with imagery. Jesus uses the metaphor of a hen protecting her chicks to illustrate His desire to provide care, protection, and guidance to the people of Jerusalem. This demonstrates His nurturing and protective nature. The phrase “but you were not willing” underscores the people’s resistance to His love and guidance, highlighting a tragic element of free will and the consequences of rejecting divine care.
Cross-References and Broader Biblical Themes
This theme of God’s longing to gather and protect His people can be seen throughout the Bible. For instance, in Psalm 91:4, it says, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge. We read in Isaiah 30:15, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”” These passages reinforce the idea that God consistently offers His protection and care, but it is up to the people to accept it.
Relevance to Contemporary Life
The relevance of this verse today is profound. Many of us go through life seeking protection, guidance, and love, yet often, we turn away from the very source that offers these blessings abundantly. This verse serves as a reminder to pause and reflect on what we are rejecting when we turn away from God in a world full of distractions and temptations. Are we, like Jerusalem, unwilling to be gathered under His wings?
Anecdote for Illustration
I recall a story about a young woman named Sarah. She was struggling with many challenges – career uncertainties, relationship issues, and emotional turmoil. Despite her Christian upbringing, she drifted away from her faith, thinking she could handle everything on her own. It wasn’t until she hit rock bottom that she remembered the comfort she felt in prayer and decided to turn back to God. Sarah found solace and strength in the community and scripture, realizing that God’s protection had always been available to her, just as Jesus lamented for Jerusalem. We must ask ourselves as we reflect on this verse: Are we willing to be gathered under God’s wings? Are we open to His guidance and love, or are we resisting it? Let this verse challenge us to draw closer to God, to seek His protection and guidance actively. This week, make a conscious effort to spend time in prayer and scripture, allowing yourself to be gathered and nurtured by God’s unwavering love. Jesus’ deep love for us and His desire to protect and guide us is poignantly reminded in Matthew 23:37. It challenges us to reflect on our willingness to accept His care and to make deliberate steps towards embracing His love and protection in our daily lives.
How can we truly surrender to God’s will?
To truly surrender to God’s will, we must have faith and trust in His plan for our lives. We should trust God to lead us in the right direction, just as a child trusts their parent to guide and protect them. Surrendering to God’s will requires letting go of our own desires and submitting ourselves fully to His divine purpose for us.
Surrendering to God’s will also involves a willingness to obey and follow His commandments. This means aligning our actions and decisions with what we know to be right according to His teachings. We demonstrate our commitment to following His will above our own by humbling ourselves before God and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives.
Furthermore, surrendering to God’s will involves a posture of humility and openness to His leading. We must be willing to let go of our own plans and yield to His direction, even when it may not align with our own understanding or desires. We acknowledge His sovereignty and wisdom by surrendering our will to His, trusting that His plans are ultimately for our good and His glory.
Application
Imagine you’re juggling work, family, and life’s chaos every day. God’s love is like a reliable safety net, ready to catch you and offer protection. Don’t ignore this lifeline; instead, embrace the shelter and guidance He offers. Just as you wouldn’t neglect a vital work project or a family member in need, don’t turn away from God’s call. Are you ready to find peace and refuge in His arms?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.