Do you think the Pharisees are trying to protect Jesus here? Me either. My guess is they are trying to set their own trap for him. Jesus tells them he will leave when he is ready. After all, his whole life is being orchestrated by God himself. Jesus is heading toward Jerusalem, but in his own time.
Jerusalem was the spiritual and political capital of the region, a city of God, the hub of the nation. It was a destination for many believers. It was also the death sentence location for many prophets over the years. There’s a bit of foreshadowing going on when Jesus declared, “For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!” Here, he is calling himself a prophet, or putting himself in that category, because of who people believed him to be.
Still today, people flock to Jerusalem for their spiritual pilgrimage. The city is now segregated with many different religions and cultures present. It is not always a safe place due to turmoil and unrest with each culture claiming it as “their” sacred place. It is definitely a place I would like to visit one day.
Jesus foretells the future a bit here when he says to Jerusalem, “And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” You will recall those words from our Palm Sunday tradition. Jesus will triumphantly enter the city of Jerusalem on a donkey with his fans in attendance. We’ll focus on that in a couple chapters.
For now, suffice it to say that Jesus is grieving. He is saddened because he has not been able to protect or nurture the people of the holy city of peace. His ministry has been serving the people in the surrounding towns and villages. While that has been terrific, his heart wishes for a time in Jerusalem, too. His example lives on today for us. We are to love and to serve. We are to put others above ourselves.
Another take-away for us is we need to bloom where planted. Do we want to live in a big city or on a country lane? If we find ourselves not quite in our dream location, that’s okay. God has planted us there for a reason, and we need to be okay with that. We need to make the best of each and every situation and opportunity that comes our way.
Think about that today. How can you bloom with bigger, more vibrant flowers today, right where you are?
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for where you have placed us. We may be far from loved ones and friends, but you have called us here for this time. I want honor you in all I say and do. Bring to me the people for whom you may not be known. May my blooming touch them and help them to grow and bloom, too. Wipe away my doubt and fears. I feel a little heavy today. I commit my life to you. Together let’s create a garden of love and peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
