He is Warned of the Plotting of King Herod

["Click here for Luke's account"]

Jesus was still in the Providence of Galilee even though He had set His face toward Jerusalem. Being in Galilee, he was under the jurisdiction of Herod. Herod Had been given this position by the Romans because of his cooperation with them.

The same day that He had discussed those that would be a part of the Kingdom of God, He was approached by certain Pharisees who warned Him about an apparent plot by Herod to kill Him. Their advise for Him was to get out of Galilee. We can only guess what their motive was for doing this. Some believe that they were sincere and that Herod was out to kill Jesus as he had John the Baptist. Others believe that the Pharisees had no grounds to say this but were simply trying to scare Him into leaving Galilee, where there had been a degree of safety, and going into Judea where they, even now, were plotting to find a way to kill Him.

Notice Jesus seems to put a degree of truth in their warning by responding with a message to Herod. "Go tell that "fox" that I still have work to do and that my time had not yet come, and that the place appointed for my death is Jerusalem and that he has no authority there."

In calling Herod a "fox", He gives him his true character, for Herod was subtle as a fox and noted for his craft and treachery. He was announcing to Herod and to the Pharisees that He still had much to do and that they were unable to harm Him until that time had come. Besides, if a prophet were put to death, it must be at Jerusalem.

Then Luke records some "lamentations" spoken by Jesus about Jerusalem. Matthew puts these words later in the life of Christ, close to His crucifixion. Perhaps Luke put them here as Jesus had just mentioned being put to death at Jerusalem. Notice:

1. How particularly grieved Jesus was over the sins of Jerusalem. The city had enjoyed a large amount of God's Grace yet they seemed the greatest sinner. They would not listen to the prophets, they even stoned them. How often had God gave them another chance. How often would He have taken them under His wing as a hen gathers her brood but they would have no part of it.
2. Notice how desolate and hopeless is the house that Christ leaves. The Temple, though richly adorned and much attended, was desolate if Christ deserted it. Jesus leaves it up to them. They made an idol of the building and a sham of the worship, they must now make the best of it, Christ will trouble them no more, just as Moses said to Pharaoh when he was told to leave and never come back (Exodus. 10:28). "Judgment Day will reveal to you who I am, you will then see and know that I am the Messiah, but it will then be to late."

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