"Today, Tomorrow, and the Third Day"

Luke 13:31-35 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day--for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! "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. Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Keywords: Pharisees, Herod, Fox, Today tomorrow the next day (3), Prophets, Jerusalem, Hen, and House left desolate

The Pharisees are one of three groups of the Sanhedrin in place to uphold the law.[1] They were part of the oral traditions maintaining a belief in predestination, angels and spirits, and resurrection.[2]

Herod Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea from 4B.C. to A.D. 39. He had John the Baptist beheaded and judged Jesus at his trial.[3]

Fox is a metaphor for someone cunning, sly, and crafty.[4] Regarding Herod Antipas scholars like Buth and Green offer other views such as cream puff or insignificant person. Consider the circumstances that led to the beheading of John the Baptist, he allowed himself to be outmaneuvered by his wife and a young girl.

Three (3) are significant. Lazarus was in the tomb for four days which symbolled he was dead and there was no way to bring him back. Burial took place rapidly following death. A visit would occur within three days to ensure the individual had passed away.[5] Jonah was in the belly of the big fish for three days. Jesus predicts his death and resurrection after three days.

God called Prophets and could be born from any of the twelve tribes.[6] These individuals were selected to bring the people back into the right relationship with God.

Jerusalem is the capital city of David.[7] Solomon erected the temple in Jerusalem.

The hen will gather her chicks under her wings to protect them from predators.

According to Garland, the house left desolate refers to the land as inclusive; the temple and all contained within.[8]

Jesus is aware of the future that lies ahead of him in Jerusalem. He refuses to be slowed down or stopped from completing the task. In the same way that Jesus is called for a mission, each believer is also called for a mission. It is easy to follow the crowd. The Christian life is not easy. Along the way, negative thoughts and individuals will attempt to discourage your walk. Press on as Jesus.

Bibliography

Garland, David E. Luke. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

Martin, John A. “Luke.” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, 199-265. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984.

Scott, Jr., J. Julius. Jewish Background of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1995.

[1] J. Julius Scott, Jr. Jewish Background of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1995), 94. [2] Ibid., 172. [3] John A. Martin, “Luke,” In The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament edited by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck. (Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1984), 203. [4] David E. Garland, Luke, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 579. [5]Scott. Jewish Background, 251. [6] Ibid., 72. [7] Ibid., 60. [8] David E. Garland, Luke, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 580.