Matthew 23
December 23, 2022
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” (v37)
Even after a 36-verse scathing indictment of the religious leaders, Jesus concludes with a description of His heart for those who have opposed (and even killed) God’s prophets and servants. Jesus’ “longing” (v37a) is to draw these people to Himself, so that they can be spiritually safe and find rest for their souls. But if they are “not willing” (v37b) to come to Him, He will not force them.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for both Your righteous judgements against sin and Your compassionate longing to rescue sinners. In this season of pain, You are both revealing idols in my life (like comfort and self-centeredness), and drawing me closer to Yourself. As You reveal these idols, soften my heart to be (unlike the Pharisees) quick to repent, and so experience forgiveness from You and fellowship with You. I don’t enjoy the pain or the revelation of idols in my life, but I can see how You’re using both to make me look more like Yourself and to draw me into closer fellowship with Yourself. Thank you for loving me enough to do this deeper work in me.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
