Good afternoon!
Jesus compares himself to a chicken in today’s gospel.
No, this isn’t a joke!
He is grieving over the ancient holy city of Jerusalem and the corruption amongst the religious leaders of the time. And Jesus had a way with words, didn’t he? He didn’t beat around the bush. He just spoke the truth—without worrying about what might happen to him as a result.
His rant against the religious leaders in Matthew 23 begins,
‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
Jesus loves the people of Jerusalem, though they have rejected him. He knows they are being led astray by their leaders. He grieves for them as one grieves the loss of a child.
This is where he compares himself to a chicken—more specifically, a hen caring for her chicks:
‘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! See, your house is left to you, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
I like this image of Jesus as the mother hen as much as Jesus as the good shepherd. We are like chicks, at times, aren’t we? Running all around, making lots of noise, focused on meeting our own needs, without noticing the others around us. Just as we are like sheep—who have gone astray and need the discipline of someone who knows what is best for us.
I am grateful for our Savior who watches over us and tends to all our needs. And most of all, I am grateful for His love and enduring patience with us, no matter how far we fall short of being the people the Lord wants us to be.
Friends, feel his loving arms around you now—comforting you who have anxieties about the future and self doubts. Imagine how he is reassuring you that his wings are strong and powerful enough to hold you right where he wants you to be—and to protect you from harm, even the harm you could do to yourself.
Will you pray with me?
Heavenly Father, Thank you for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is like a hen caring for her chicks and a shepherd nurturing his sheep. Help us to be obedient chicks and sheep that trust their mother hen or guiding shepherd. Teach us how to live as a forgiven flock or brood. Grant us confidence to live as Your children who are precious to You! Thank you for loving us with an everlasting love and being present with us now and forever. Amen.
Today’s readings are Deuteronomy 1:1-18; Romans 9:1-18; Matthew 23:27-39; and Psalm 119:1-24.
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Karen
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