Jesus’ Heart for His People: Finding Safety and Nourishment Under His Wings

Published on Mar 13, 2023
Category: Behold! | Devotion

Read: Matthew 23:23-39

Matthew 23:37 – “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.

Jesus wants to protect, nourish and cherish His people.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem and its coming judgment (Luke 19:41) that would eventually follow their rejection of Him. Jesus’ heart broke for those He rebuked over their sin. He wanted to protect them, nourish and cherish His people the Jews, as a mother hen protects her young chicks. This image of a bird protecting its young is used in the Old Testament for God’s protection of His people (Psalm 17:8’ 19:4; Isaiah 31:5). Jesus’ desire for these who rejected Him included wanting to make them feel safe, happy, promote their growth, and for them to know His love.

But this could happen only if they came to Him when He called. Jesus was willing to rescue and protect but they were not willing. “What a picture of pity and disappointed love the King’s face must have presented when, with flowing tears, he uttered these words!” (Spurgeon).

Jesus loves and longs to protect us under His wings like a hen does her chicks. But it requires that we be willing to come to Him. We need to respond to Him willingly, immediately, and completely. We find protection and eternal life in Christ Alone.

Ponder

  1. Would you pause to recognize and thank God for the ways in which you are experiencing His love, protection, and nourishment in your life each day?
  2. With whom can you share this truth about Jesus this week? Would you start praying right now for that loved one that God would give you the opportunity, the courage, and right words to speak to them?
  3. Are you someone who is yet to respond willingly to Jesus today? Jerusalem’s rejection of Him led to their imminent destruction. Romans reminds us that the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). Would ask God to help you respond positively to Him today?

Scripture Writing: Isaiah 31:5

Song: Under His Wings

Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

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