Philippians 3:17-4:1
Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform the body of our humiliation that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. [NRSA]

Luke 13:31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 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.‘” [NRSA]

1. Jesus laments that he wished that he could protect Jerusalem like a mother hen.

Quilt:

• Long before Yeti coolers we had great grandma Brantley’s quilt.
• Long before people paid for weighted blanks there was great grandma Brantley’s quilt
• Long before there were bullet proof jackets,, there was great grandma Brantley’s quilt

But a quilt won’t save us.

 so often pray for protection but it’s more helpful to ask Jesus to be with us. Jesus has not come to make life easy, he came to make eternal life accessible.

We ask for protection for Ukraine. Taiwan and the world to keep us from crossing into wars that engulf us all.

Instead of waving a wand of magic protection, Jesus promises to go with us, into the midst of war, seeking peace.

• Jesus looks over Jerusalem and is disappointed.

Jesus stands with us even when disappointed

• Frances with a hand gesture of disappointment instead of anger or blame.
• Jesus is disappointed that the People of God have allowed leaders to lead them astray, where prophets are killed and those who speak truth are stoned.

• How often I have wanted to be your mother hen, and God allows us to be unfaithful, unwilling, unavailable.

3. Disappointed but Determined and Diligent

Jesus hears those who warm and caution him to lay low, keep out of the spotlight, save yourself.

• Jesus’s witness is to continue teaching, healing, and calling for faithfulness
• Living into the prophetic messiah of being determined to enter Jerusalem,
• With purpose, choice, determination, and deliberation Jesus moves closer to the cross

Following Jesus will require purposeful and intentional choices that lead us to Jesus

The charge is that the Holy City kills the prophets.

• Means that becoming prophet is dangerous
• Means only the faithful are prophets
• Means It is easier to kill the messenger when we don’t like the message

4. Recognizing Jesus before its too late….

• Those who lives as enemies of the cross, living only to satisfy hunger, seek glory and power, and set on earthly things.
• Reminder that we have a heavenly passport…. Commercial asking will you at the end of your life wish you had bought newer technology, a bigger house, or rather where you traveled? What you experienced?

Paul invites future transformation… of our body, power, and heavenly ‘things.

4. Stand firm in Christ.

As we have discussed previously, standing firm “in” Christ, is residing in Christ’s righteousness

In what christ determines is right, just, good, and faithful

It is not standing firm in what we believe but stand firm in Christ.