[Jesus said] "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! See, your house is left to you desolate. 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 23:37-39)

It's a lovely picture—a mother hen, gathering her chicks under her wings, protecting them from the hawk or fox that is putting them in danger. She will save them at the cost of her own life. No wonder Jesus uses this as a picture of His own love for us!

But the leaders of Jerusalem are not willing. They do not recognize their God in the Man who stands before them. And so Jesus says, "You will not see Me again, until you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

And that comes true, doesn't it? Have you ever noticed how, after Jesus rises from the dead, the only people who see Him are His followers? Oh, there are some exceptions—Paul, of course, and possibly Jesus' brothers, who have a change of heart and become leaders in the early church. But Caiaphas? Annas? Pilate? No. They miss out.

But not us. Jesus comes to us and makes His home with us, as close to us as a mother hen to her chicks. He has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the world (see Matthew 28:20).

WE PRAY: Blessed are You, dear Jesus, You who have come in the Name of the Lord. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

* Why did Jesus choose such a humble animal to compare Himself to?

* Why do you think the risen Jesus chose to appear mainly to those who knew and loved Him?

* Why make an exception for Paul and for Jesus' hostile brothers?

Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.

Today's Bible Readings: Numbers 12-14    Mark 14:27-53

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