Study

DAILY READING

Luke 13:31-35

These short verses contain several interesting and provocative ideas. Verses 31-33 focus on Jesus’ thoughts about the Jewish King Herod Antipas. He called him “that fox.” Why would Jesus call him that? The New Interpreters Study Bible suggests that “within the ancient world ‘fox’ has a range of possible meanings—e.g., its craftiness, its lack of strength, its proclivity for malicious destructiveness, and its intelligence.” 

Apparently, Jesus was aware of Herod’s crafty and dangerous character, and yet he was willing to pursue God’s will for his life even if it put him on a collision course with the current political powers.  

Verses 34-35 are a poignant picture of Jesus’ great love for his own people and their unwillingness to accept his message. Jesus compares himself to a hen who gathers her chicks under her wings to protect them and keep them warm. Jesus’ heart for the Jewish people was like that of a mother – protective, tender, embracing. Yet his own people rejected his love and spurned his teachings. How many times do we resist Jesus’ love and protection in our own lives, preferring to “do it our way” – even if it causes us trouble and pain? 

ACTION FOR THE DAY

Read these verses in several translations of the Bible. Compare the specific words various translators use to communicate the ideas in these passages. Are there any significant differences? What new insights do you gain from reading in this way? What message for your own life does this passage contain?