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177. That Fox!


Luke 13:31-33
Key Verse: "In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem."
Luke 13:33

Jesus was a man on a mission. Nothing would discourage Him from what He needed, what we needed, Him to do. He knew why He had come. He knew His purpose. He knew what would happen to Him, but He accepted it gladly for the Joy set before Him. (Heb. 12:2, Phil. 2:8)

Were the leaders really concerned about Jesus’ safety? After all, Herod had beheaded John the Baptist. In truth, probably not. The leaders knew that, as of yet, they had not been able to stop Jesus’ advance, or His ministry, themselves. They may have thought that they could discourage Him with a threat from the king. We can tell from Jesus' response, however, that He was not impressed.

"Go tell that fox, "I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal." (Luke 13:32) This is now the second time that Luke records Jesus' reference to Herod as a "fox." It may be impressive that Herod is noticing Jesus at all. Herod's notice may be proof that Jesus was leaving a mark on Jewish society. The people were showing signs of following and, "the Fox," was concerned about losing control over "the hen house," or in other words, the current state of affairs.

The political and religious leadership would have loved it if Jesus simply went away so that life could get back to, "normal." Herod certainly didn't want a challenge to his authority over the people either. Jesus, however, knowing who He was and knowing what He came to do, did not shrink away or compromise with sin for the sake of supposed peace. He continued to move forward to do what He had come to do.

So it is with us. In Christ, we are not called to compromise with sin, but speak out against it. We are not called to blend in, but to be different, holy, set apart for His purpose for us. May we be bold for Him, despite the danger, as He was bold for us by continuing on, knowing that He was marching toward His eventual suffering and death.

Hymn: "Ye Servants of God, Your MasterProclaim"

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