Scripture to Read: Luke 13:31–33
God gives us a little glimpse at some Pharisees who actually wanted to help protect Jesus. Too often, people think that all the Pharisees opposed Jesus, but that was not true. God had Luke record the following in Luke 13:31–33, “Just at that time some Pharisees approached, saying to Him, ‘Go away, leave here, for Herod wants to kill You.’ 32 And He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal.’ 33 ‘Nevertheless I must journey on today and tomorrow and the next day; for it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside of Jerusalem.’” Jesus made it pretty clear that He did not fear Herod. Jesus called Herod a “fox,” so, we must understand the meaning behind this term. William Barclay records this, “To the Jew, the fox was a symbol of three things. First, it was regarded as the slyest of animals. Second, it was regarded as the most destructive of animals. Third, it was the symbol of a worthless and insignificant man.” Jesus let the Pharisees know that He knew Herod was sly and destructive, but a man whom He did not fear. Jesus knew why He came to earth and He knew He would carry out God the Father’s perfect will by laying down His life for all mankind in Jerusalem. Jesus also knew He had performed miracles, but that the greatest miracle would be Him rising from the dead on the third day and defeating death and sin for all mankind.
Challenge & Application
Why did Jesus not fear Herod when the Pharisees told Him that Herod wanted to kill Him?
Why should we not fear any man but fear God and God alone?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!