“The Fox and the Hen”Main point: Jesus is resolved to travel to Jerusalem to suffer in spite of direct opposition from two deterrents: the Pharisees’ warning of danger and Jerusalem’s repeated rejection of him.INTRODUCTION:During this season of Lent, I pray we will give ourselves permission to take an honest look at our lives and deal truthfully with what we find. A sober look may do us good and I pray we do not miss the opportunity.As we prepare ourselves in Lent for the great Feast of Easter, we walk with Jesus as he sets his sights on Jerusalem. Waiting for him there is suffering, humiliation, and death. He is fully aware of what lies ahead of him. Yet he is determined to reach his goal. In our text today, Jesus affirms his resolve to travel to Jerusalem and suffer for the salvation of the world in spite of direct opposition from two deterrents. First, the Pharisees warn him about dangers that lie ahead of him. Herod Antipas has already murdered John the Baptizer and now he wants to murder Jesus too. Second, at the time of this story, Jerusalem had repeatedly rejected the protection and provision of God for generations. If one’s past is any predictor of future behavior, they are sure to reject him again.Tell the StoryWe look first at the warning from the Pharisees. The Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod Antipas is trying to find him so he can kill him. But Jesus is not deterred by a fox like Herod. Foxes may ravage an occasional chicken coup, but they are small, provisional predators. Foxes can cause mayhem to smaller, vulnerable animals but ultimately they are little more than a nuisance. In essence, Jesus calls Herod an inconsequential, low-level crime boss and doesn’t even give him the time of day because Jesus has things of higher importance on his mind.We look second at Jesus as he turns his attention to Jerusalem. In an impassioned lament rooted in unrequited affection, Jesus calls out, “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How I have loved you for generations, and yet you have disregarded my love. You’ve made your bed and now you must lie in it. I opened my arms to you, but you rejected me. You have paved your own path to destruction with bricks made by your own hands. And now, I will turn you over to yourself.”Walk Through the TextThis text provides at least three links between this story and our experience today.Jesus Deeply Loves JerusalemFirst, we see Jesus’ deep love for the people and the place of Jerusalem. We may lament with Jesus and pray for peace for that great and holy city. Through the many generations since Jesus lived walked this earth, incalculable devastation has plagued that city through violence and division to this very day. Pray for peace in the Holy Land.God is Patient with Us (to a point)

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