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

Read: Matthew 23:23-29

“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.

Matthew 23:37

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 those 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 protects under His Wings

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.

Would you pause to recognize and thank God for how you are experiencing His love, protection, and nourishment in your life each day? 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 the right words to speak to them?

Are you someone who has 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 you ask God to help you respond positively to Him today?

Prayer

Lord, help me respond positively to your invitation to find refuge under your wings, Amen.

Scripture Writing: Isaiah 31:5

Song: Under His Wings