Joel Littlefield

Many things are recorded about Tuesday of Holy Week. Every situation we read about was handled with grace, courage, perseverance and passion. (Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17)

Here is one well known event that also took place on that Tuesday.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Luke 23:37

Jesus was standing in the Temple while He said this. Its artifacts and activities were designed to foreshadow Him. He was there to save them. They are rejecting Him. They want to kill the “King of Salem”!

On this particular Tuesday the incarnate Son would feel the weight of rejection returned for His merciful-kindness. What hatchling would reject the invitation to gather safely under its mother’s strong and protective wing? The metaphor expresses the love and patience of God amid hard-hearted and stiff-necked sinners. This is not the first time this has happened.

Remember that He had to be rejected.

As He left the Temple, the Disciples desired to show Him the grandeur of the building. Perhaps they thought He would be impressed. Jesus then said, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” The the destruction of the temple in 70 AD was there pronounced by Christ. What stood as an impressive structure to the Disciples represented rebellion to Jesus. He saw their hatred of Him. He knew they would soon take His life. Bulls and lambs bled out upon the altar, but they could not see the Passover Lamb standing before them.

Here’s what we can learn from this.

Those who reject Christ to the end will be thrown down like the walls of that Temple. In the same way that Jesus pleaded with Israel, so His heart is still drawn out in mercy for sinners today. Many will be left desolate because of their rejection of Him. Those who receive Him will be filled, satisfied, and kept safe.

Every day of His final week on Earth had its own unique and providentially planned events. His face is set for Calvary. He is surrendered to His Father’s will.

Let’s remember how salvation has come to us. It was not without great pain and perseverance. Let’s surrender afresh to His mercy. When He invites you, come, and find rest under the shadow of His wings. When Christ comes again, true Israel, the Bride, will celebrate. All will shout glorious praises, “Hosanna!”

“For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” (Matthew 23:39)

If you enjoyed this article, consider sharing on social media, and SUBSCRIBING with your email at the bottom of this page. Thank you!