Rochester, MN UCC - “A Hen Gathering Her Brood” - Luke 13:31-35

The 13th chapter of Luke ends with Jesus looking out over Jerusalem before his triumphal entry and bewailing the faithlessness of Jerusalem. He cries out, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” The love of Jesus is here compared to a mother hen trying to shield her beloved brood from danger with her own body. Yet the image also suggests that the brood, the children of God, are resisting this love and protection to their own detriment. God desires to love and protect us, but so often we are not willing to receive that love and protection.

 The unwillingness of the people to accept the love and protection of God, does not prevent Jesus from going to them. Indeed, he makes reference to them welcoming him on his next arrival with the words of Psalm 118, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” This psalm was a processional psalm, sung by pilgrims entering the city of Jerusalem for one of its festivals. This same refrain is sung days later when Jesus enters the city riding on a donkey. We sing this refrain each time we celebrate the presence of Jesus Christ with us in communion. Each time it is sung, it welcomes the presence of Christ in the present and looks forward to his final, second coming, his return in power as the Son of Man. In communion we celebrate Christ’s presence with us, while also looking forward to the day when his presence will fill the whole world. 

 During the season of Lent, we are encouraged to take stock of our lives and our longings. Are we desiring what God desires? Are we looking forward to the coming of the kingdom, to the New Jerusalem, to the day when the love of God is all in all? When Jesus came to Jerusalem in ancient days, he was not welcomed, he was scorned, and mocked, abused, and killed. Yet even after this Jesus forgave the people and promised to bring their salvation upon his return. This Sunday at communion, and every time we come to the Lord’s Table, we have a chance to reorient our lives and our longings towards the salvation that God is bringing in Jesus Christ. Come to the table this Sunday to re-train your hearts, so that we might welcome Jesus into our lives this Sunday and at his triumphant return by singing with sincerity, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

 Pastor Andrew Greenhaw