April 14 2024: A Lament for Everyone - Hannah Thom

The Pharisees, often seen as opponents of Jesus give him a warning about a mutual enemy, Herod Anitpas. He apparently wants Jesus dead. Jesus’ reply is not one of flattery, referring to him as a fox. In rabbinic literature, the fox was a contrast to the mighty lion, connected to deception and preying on the “chicks” to which Jesus refers. Jesus stands firm declaring what he is called to do, come what may. 

His resolve then gives way to sorrow as he cries out, “ … 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.” This cry echoes the words found on the lips of Hecuba in the work of Euripides penned some 500 years before. A cry of lament upon seeing the city of Troy destroyed. This points toward the prophetic word Jesus speaks, his understanding that Jerusalem, like Troy will be destroyed. And Jesus’ response? Sorrow for all of those who call Jerusalem home. 

In our current cultural moment, “speaking truth to power” often comes with an edge. This in contrast with the heart we see in Jesus – one that is broken and heavy for others. Maybe this is the picture we need to grapple with asking ourselves if we have sorrow for others in the manner and the way Jesus did.