The image that stands out to me in this passage is of Jesus being like a mother hen, wanting to shelter her chicks under her wings. This image of Jesus, wanting to embrace and provide protection, but the people not wanting that embrace or protection.
We are at a
point in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus has turned towards Jerusalem, even
though he knows Jerusalem, is not always friendly to those who bring God’s
message in word and deed. Some Pharisees
tell Jesus that Herod is out to get him. And he responds by saying, I will
continue to do my life’s work, I will continue to heal and renew, to cast out
demons, to offer mercy and grace.
Jesus knows
Herod is capable of killing him, John has already been killed because he upset Herod
and Herodias. I suspect if I had a credible death threat made against me, I would
be more careful, but Jesus continues to travel, teach and heal. He is not
letting Herod’s threat change his life.
“Jesus’ priority does not seem to be his own safety. He instead is primarily concerned about following the divine purpose (dei) that does not direct him away from danger. It leads him directly into it and ultimately through it.”[1]
Where do we
see this today?
I marvel at the Russian people who have marched against their country’s involvement
in the war in Ukraine. They are arrested, and we don’t know what will happen to
them, they are not deterred. It was reported on 7th March that “More
than 4,300 people arrested at anti-war protests across Russia” [2]
There are
still governments around the world where you cannot speak against the regime without
risking your freedom or your life. The whole point of threats to individuals or
the community is to keep people in line. There are parts of the USA where it is
illegal to offer food to homeless people, church volunteers and ministers are regularly
arrested for continuing this ministry.
In chapter 4 of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus reads from Isaiah and says this is what I have come for – to bring good news for the poor, freedom for prisoners, sight for the blind, freedom for the oppressed.
All through
the Gospels, we read of Jesus changing lives, through healing, sight, removal of
demons, showing mercy, forgiving, including outcasts. Jesus changed lives when
people would accept what Jesus offered. Jesus did not offer status or money or
power, Jesus offered love and grace and belonging.
‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem! Your people have killed
the prophets and have stoned the messengers who were sent to you. I have often
wanted to gather your people, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. But
you wouldn’t let me.’
I wonder how
Jesus spoke those words with anger, shouting; with sorrow and tears, …. I have seen
this section called the lament of Jesus, which is grief and sorrow. In 2 weeks,
we will read the story of the prodigal son, the third in a series of lost stories.
I wonder if this is how the father in that story felt.
The image I have
of a mother hen and her chicks is a pleasant image, the chickens all cosy and
safe together under the mother hen’s wings which expand to include all the chicks.
Sometimes this is a dangerous act for the mother, who will die to protect her
chicks. But here, Jesus is saying he wants to gather the people of Jerusalem,
but the people will not gather to him. Jesus wants to gather and protect, include
and comfort, the people, but they refuse.
Jesus doesn’t abandon people when they refuse his love or grace or peace. The offer continues, waiting until the person is ready. Jesus didn’t do a headcount and see if it was worth continuing the journey to Jerusalem, he did it anyway.
“Jesus as a mother hen is an image of fierce love and protection. No matter how much we try to separate ourselves from God, God will run to protect us. God’s love for us is fuller than we can imagine.” Jesus is saying to you: “You are a precious child of God. God longs for you. God will gather you in.”[3]
Whatever is happening in your life, allow yourself to shelter with Jesus, like a chicken shelters under the Hen’s wings.
Let God love you.
[1]
https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/second-sunday-in-lent-3/commentary-on-luke-1331-35-5
[2]
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/06/4300-people-arrested-anti-war-protests-across-russia-decounce-vladimir-putin-war-ukraine
[3]
Full to the brim, Sanctified Art
