But Less Clucky and More Heartbroken, Jesus compares himself to a hen wanting to protect her chicks. It’s touching, poetic, and somehow still less weird than most political speeches today.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Welcome, Church Family!
Good morning, friends! It’s such a joy to gather together as the family of God. Whether you’re joining us in person or online, know that you are loved, valued, and welcomed here. Today, we’ll be diving into a powerful passage from Luke 13:31-35, where Jesus expresses His deep love and concern for His people. It’s a message of grace, urgency, and God’s unshakable love for us—so I encourage you to open your hearts to what God wants to say today!
Church Announcements
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Midweek Bible Study – Wednesday at 7 PM
Join us for an enriching time in the Word as we grow deeper in our faith together. -
Community Outreach – Saturday at 10 AM
We’ll be serving meals to families in need. Sign up at the welcome desk or online. -
Baptism Sunday – March 24th
If you’re ready to take the next step in your faith, sign up to be baptized! -
Small Groups Are Open!
Don’t do life alone—get connected in a small group and grow together in Christ.
Let’s keep loving, serving, and growing together as the body of Christ!
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s Prepare Our Hearts for Worship
As we enter into worship today, let’s set aside our worries and distractions. God is here, and He invites us to draw near to Him.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 95:6-7 (NIV)
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under His care.”
Let’s respond to His invitation with joyful hearts!
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for bringing us together today. We come before You with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us. We lay down our burdens and distractions, and we choose to focus on You. Fill this place with Your presence, and may our worship be pleasing to You. Teach us through Your Word, shape us through Your Spirit, and remind us of Your deep love for us.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Lifting Our Hearts in Worship
Now, let’s join together in praise! Worship is more than just singing—it’s about lifting our hearts to God, declaring His goodness, and surrendering our lives to Him. Whether you raise your hands, sing out loud, or worship quietly in your heart, let’s glorify Him together!
Song Suggestions:
- “How Great Is Our God”
- “Goodness of God”
- “Here I Am to Worship”
Let’s worship our Savior with all that we have!
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Introduction to Today’s Passage
Today’s scripture comes from Luke 13:31-35, where Jesus expresses His deep sorrow for Jerusalem, knowing that many have rejected Him. Yet, His heart remains full of love, compassion, and a longing to gather His people under His care.
The Events in the Passage
In this passage, the Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him. But Jesus responds with boldness, stating that He will continue His mission despite the threats. He then mourns over Jerusalem, lamenting that the city has repeatedly turned away from God’s messengers. His words remind us that God longs for His people to come to Him, but He will not force His love upon us.
Luke 13:31-35 (NIV)
Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem
31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
32 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.’ 33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
34 “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.
35 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.’
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
A Prayer for God’s Grace
Father,
We come before You today, recognizing Your deep love for us. Just as Jesus longed to gather the people of Jerusalem under His care, we know that You long for us to walk closely with You. Forgive us for the times we have resisted Your guidance. Help us to surrender our hearts fully to You. We pray for those who are lost, that they may come to know Your love. We lift up our world, asking for healing, peace, and salvation.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Congregational Prayer Response
Luke 13:35 (NIV) – “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Section 7. Offering
Giving as an Act of Worship
Giving is an act of trust and obedience. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God. It’s not about the amount—it’s about the heart behind it. Let’s give joyfully, knowing that we are partnering with God’s work!
Prayer for the Offering
Lord,
Thank You for the blessings You have given us. We give back to You as an act of worship, trusting that You will use these gifts for Your glory. Bless those who give and those who long to give. May these offerings be used to advance Your kingdom and spread the message of Your love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Bringing This Sermon to Life
Before we move into today’s sermon, let’s take a moment to reflect through this special song. Worship through music touches the heart in a unique way, reminding us of God’s love and faithfulness.
Special Music: “Come to Jesus”
Gain Access to the Complete Sermon
If you’d like to dive deeper into this message, you can access the full teaching and resources here:
Short Powerful Sermon on Luke 13:31-35
Sermon Title: “The Heart of Jesus: A Love That Won’t Give Up”
Expository Sermon Outline on Luke 13:31-35
1. Opposition Will Come, But Stay on Mission (Luke 13:31-32)
The Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill Him, but Jesus refuses to be intimidated. He remains focused on His mission of healing, preaching, and ultimately going to the cross. True discipleship means pressing forward, even when opposition arises.
2. God’s Timing is Greater Than Man’s Plans (Luke 13:33)
Jesus boldly declares that His journey will continue, because God’s timing—not Herod’s threats—determines His path. As disciples, we must trust that God is in control, even when the future seems uncertain.
3. A Love That Longs for Us (Luke 13:34)
Jesus mourns over Jerusalem, expressing His deep desire to gather His people like a mother hen gathers her chicks. His love is patient, persistent, and unshakable, even when people reject Him.
4. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late (Luke 13:35)
Jesus warns that a time will come when Jerusalem will recognize Him—but it will be too late. Today is the day to respond to His love and follow Him wholeheartedly.
Sermon Section: “The Heart of Jesus: A Love That Won’t Give Up”
1. Opposition Will Come, But Stay on Mission (Luke 13:31-32)
Jesus wasn’t surprised when the Pharisees came with a warning: “Herod wants to kill you!” Most of us would take a death threat pretty seriously. But Jesus? He doesn’t flinch. He simply says, “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.”
Personal Thoughts
Isn’t it amazing how Jesus never lets fear dictate His actions? He knew His purpose, and no earthly ruler could stop Him. As disciples, we too will face challenges—opposition, discouragement, even fear—but we must keep moving forward in faith.
Personal Commentary
Many times in life, we let fear of rejection, failure, or even criticism hold us back from obeying God. But Jesus shows us that we are not called to live in fear—we are called to live in faith.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
A true disciple of Christ doesn’t let obstacles derail them. When we follow Jesus, we follow Him through both the victories and the struggles.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth happens when we learn to trust God in the face of opposition. Every challenge is an opportunity to deepen our faith and dependence on Him.
Ask Yourself This Question:
“What is holding me back from fully following Jesus? Am I letting fear or opposition keep me from God’s calling?”
2. God’s Timing is Greater Than Man’s Plans (Luke 13:33)
Jesus continues, saying, “I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem.” In other words, His journey is not determined by human threats, but by God’s divine plan.
Personal Thoughts
How often do we panic when things don’t go our way? We forget that God is in control, and we try to take matters into our own hands. But Jesus shows us what real faith looks like—trusting God’s timing even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Personal Commentary
The world will always try to rush us, distract us, or fill us with doubt. But God’s timing is always perfect. Jesus didn’t let fear push Him ahead or slow Him down—He simply walked in obedience.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
As disciples, we need to trust God’s process. Sometimes He asks us to wait, and other times He calls us to step out in faith. The key is to listen and obey.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth happens when we stop trying to force our plans and start trusting God’s plans. Are we following God’s timing, or are we trying to control everything ourselves?
Ask Yourself This Question:
“Am I trusting in God’s timing, or am I trying to force things to happen my way?”
3. A Love That Longs for Us (Luke 13:34)
Jesus expresses His heartbreak over Jerusalem: “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.”
Personal Thoughts
This is one of the most beautiful pictures of God’s love. Jesus doesn’t just love us—He longs for us. He wants to gather us close, to protect and guide us. But He won’t force us. Love requires a willing heart.
Personal Commentary
So many people resist God’s love because they think they don’t need Him, or they fear surrendering control. But Jesus is not here to take from us—He’s here to give us abundant life.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
A disciple of Jesus is someone who chooses to stay under His care. We don’t wander away looking for something “better.” We recognize that true life is found in Him.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth
The more we grow spiritually, the more we realize just how much God loves us. We stop running and start resting in His embrace.
Ask Yourself This Question:
“Am I resisting God’s love in any area of my life?”
4. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late (Luke 13:35)
Jesus ends with a warning: “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.’”
Personal Thoughts
Jesus doesn’t force Himself on anyone. He offers His love, but He allows us to choose. One day, everyone will recognize who He is—but will we have responded in time?
Personal Commentary
This passage reminds us that there is an urgency to following Christ. Don’t wait until it’s too late to surrender your life to Him.
Personal Commentary on Christian Discipleship
A disciple is someone who follows Jesus today—not someday, not later, but now.
Personal Reflection on Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth happens when we stop delaying and start obeying.
Ask Yourself This Question:
“Am I putting off something that God is calling me to do today?”
Section 10: Final Thoughts
Jesus’ love is persistent, patient, and unshakable. But we must respond. Will you trust Him today?
Closing Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for never giving up on us. We surrender our fears, our plans, and our doubts to You. Help us to follow You fully and trust You completely. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Section 11: Closing Hymn or Worship Song
“I Surrender All”
Section 12: Benediction
(Numbers 6:24-26)
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
26 The Lord [a]lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.” ’
Use the Following Section to get your Bible Study or Small Group Going!
“Why Did Jesus Call Herod a Fox… and What Does That Mean for You Today?”
Most people read this passage and move on. But hidden in Luke 13:31-35 is a shocking truth about fear, control, and God’s relentless love—one that might just change the way you see your purpose, your struggles, and your relationship with God forever.
A few years ago, a friend of mine stood at a crossroads. Stay comfortable, or follow the calling God had placed on his heart. He had a good job, a stable life—but deep down, he knew God was nudging him toward something bigger. And then the resistance came.
People told him it wasn’t a good idea. That he was making a mistake. That it was “too risky.” He even had an employer subtly warn him that leaving might cost him his reputation. Sound familiar?
That’s exactly what happened to Jesus in Luke 13:31-35. The Pharisees warned Him, “Herod wants to kill you.” But Jesus wasn’t intimidated. He didn’t shrink back in fear. Instead, He said:
“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.’” (Luke 13:32, NIV)
In other words—I’m not stopping. I have a mission, and no earthly ruler is going to change that.
That’s the kind of boldness we are called to have in our faith. Obstacles will come. People will discourage us. Fear will whisper that we should quit. But Jesus shows us the way: keep going. Stay faithful. Trust God’s timing.
And here’s the best part—He doesn’t just tell us to trust. He shows us that His love never gives up on us, even when we resist Him.
Here’s the deal.
I’ve put together an entire sermon message based on Luke 13:31-35—crafted with clarity, depth, and a heart for real transformation. It’s not just a sermon. It’s a roadmap for courage, faith, and spiritual growth.
Imagine:
✅ Your congregation leaning in, fully engaged, as they hear this powerful story unfold.
✅ People walking away encouraged, emboldened, and ready to trust God’s plan.
✅ A deeper understanding of how Jesus’ response applies to their lives—right now.
You can get immediate access to the full sermon right here.
It’s ready for you to study, preach, or share with your church. And if it blesses you, consider giving back—because your support keeps this ministry alive.
Click below to grab it now.
