#211. Rev. Dianne Lawhorn - March 13

We take a step further in our journey to the cross on this Second Sunday of Lent. Last week, we focused on Jesus’ temptation. This week, we will focus on Jesus’ sorrow. Our scripture comes to us from Luke 13:31-35. It begins with a warning from the Pharisees for Jesus about Herod’s plan to kill him, but it becomes a reflection on the nature of Jesus’ life and mission. It highlights the tragic role played by Jerusalem in the life of Jesus. Jerusalem had a history of rejecting the Messiah, just as it had rejected it’s forerunners. But Jesus’ life and death would not be determined by Herod or the Pharisees. His life was planned and directed by God and His mission would unfold in God’s time and according to God’s plan. This passage invites readers to consider how we have recognized and resisted Jesus’ message and kingdom and the role that we play in Jesus’ continuing ministry.