Wednesday

“See, your house is left to you.  And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”—Luke 13: 35

Jesus is warned: if he returns to Jerusalem, he will be killed.  The Pharisees are the folks who warn him of Herod’s intentions; in the end, of course, the Pharisees themselves will play a key role in his crucifixion.  But: he came back.  Jesus didn’t have to return to Jerusalem.  He could have gone along his merry way and lived out the rest of his life in the countryside, keeping his profile low and his wrists free of nails.  That wasn’t, however, in the plans.  Jesus returned to Jerusalem, not because he thought he could escape the authorities’ plans but precisely because God’s plan involved using them. 

Jesus acted—Jesus worked—to ensure that salvation belonged to all of us.  Herod wasn’t exactly a nice guy, and the Pharisees’ intentions toward Jesus were less than pleasant.  Jesus’ sacrifice, however, transcends earthly blame or responsibility.  Returning to Jerusalem was a gift—to all of us. -- LG

Lord, thank you for returning to Jerusalem when you knew what you would find.  Help us to live lives of active thanksgiving for your sacrifice.  Amen.