DAILY DEVOTION, February 8, 2022

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!  (Matthew 23:37).

Jesus is facing the cross. He has just pronounced several “woes” upon the scribes and Pharisees for their refusal to believe in Him. In our verse, He laments over the people of Jerusalem. He desired to gather His people together and grant them forgiveness. He uses an interesting figure of speech comparing Himself to a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings. That which He desires for Jerusalem He also wants for us. He wants to gather us under His care and protection. He wants to shower His love upon us.

Many who heard Jesus rejected Him. The scribes, Pharisees, and temple leaders wanted nothing to do with Him. He desired to bless them, but they were unwilling. So it seems that our response to Jesus is important. Are we willing to trust Him? Are we willing to follow Him and serve Him? His desire is to do good to us, finally granting us the gift of everlasting life. Are we willing?

Father, may my heart ever be open to receive Jesus. I do trust Him. I do want to serve Him. I know I am weak, and I pray for Your help that I may be a true and willing disciple of the Master. In His name, I pray, Amen.