Reactions to Opposition

Luke 13:31–35 (NLT) 

A. Opposition From the enemy/Opposition to stop you:

31 At that time some Pharisees said to him,

“Get away from here if you want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill you!”

1.Who gave him a warning?  What is strange here?

2. What was the warning?

3. What is the possible motive for the warning?

B. Jesus’ reply to Opposition:

32 Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose.

33 Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!

1. Why did Jesus call Herod a fox? What is a fox?

2. What Jesus continue to do?

What is the significance of *Today, tomorrow, 3^rd day?

3. What is death to Christ? To you?

C. Rejection from people close to his heart:

34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me.

1.Why was Jerusalem mentioned twice?  What does as a hen protects her chicks….means? 

2. How was Jerusalem described by Jesus? What does it mean?

These verses show us God’s great compassion toward sinners and the responsibility of sinners for their own judgment.

D. Results of opposition

35    And now, look, your house is abandoned.

And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!’*”

1.What does “your house is abandoned means?”

2. What does “And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD!’*”

Rather than being under God's shadow and protective wing, they are exposed, empty and at risk. That is what sin and rejection of God's way often bring. Sinners will suffer the consequences of their rebellion by being abandoned by God, but those who submit to Him will rejoice in the coming and reign of Jesus Christ.

Jesus declares, “Behold, your house is left to you desolate.” These solemn words were literally fulfilled in A.D. 70, when the Roman general Titus destroyed the city and slaughtered thousands of Jews. The nation was dispersed until 1948. When God’s judgment falls, it is an awful thing! When God abandons a nation or an individual, that nation or person is truly left desolate! To be without God is truly to be without hope in this world.

But if you will repent of your sins and trust in the Savior who willingly went to the cross in obedience to the Father to save His people from their sins, then you will know the joy of saying, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” You will be reconciled to God for time and eternity. You will reign with Jesus when He comes in His glory with His holy angels.

The Lord Jesus Christ gave Himself on the cross to save you from the awful storm of God’s judgment that is going to fall on every sinner. He pleads with you to take refuge under His wings. If you will run to Christ, you will find shelter and mercy because of His great love.