The Heart of Jesus for Sinners
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Rev. Tse Amable | March 21 2026 | Matthew 23:37–39
KEY VERSE: “O 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, but you were not willing.” (Matthew 23:37, NIV)
MESSAGE:
Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to be the Saviour of the world, including His own people. Sadly, many of His own people rejected Him. They mocked Him and ridiculed Him with words such as, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” They refused to believe in Him and receive Him as the Messiah. Their unbelief and rejection finally led to His being handed over to be crucified on the cross of Calvary.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him, He spoke a final lament over the city. Jerusalem, the capital, represented the nation, and its people had killed the prophets and stoned those sent to them. Yet Jesus still longed to gather them together, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings. Unlike chicks that run to their mother in times of danger, the people willfully refused to turn to the Lord. They were responsible for their choice, and that choice brought judgment. As Jesus said, their house was left desolate. Their continued rejection of the Messiah would lead to devastation, including the destruction of the temple in A.D. 70.
Despite their hatred, envy, wickedness, and rejection of Him, Jesus Christ still loved Israel and her people. Jerusalem was on His heart as He entered that holy city to be arrested and crucified.
Jesus Christ has the same heart toward anyone who has rejected Him or is still resisting His call. He longs to gather and save. He knows the danger surrounding every careless soul. The Psalmist says, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1, NIV). Your place of safety and refuge is under the wings of the Lord. Run to Him, for the name of the Lord is a strong tower.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
If you were Jesus Christ, would you still be concerned about Jerusalem after such rejection? The Bible commands us to love our enemies and pray for them. Jesus Christ practised what He taught. Learn from His example and overcome evil with good.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank You that You demonstrated Your love toward us by giving Jesus Christ to die in our place, even when we were Your enemies. Empower us to love all people and make us willing to lay down our lives so that the lost may come to know You. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: GATHER
The word "gather" comes from the Greek word episynagō. It means to bring together, to collect closely, or to draw into one place. In this verse, it carries the picture of being brought near for care, safety, and protection, like a hen drawing her chicks under her wings.
Jesus was not speaking with anger alone. He was speaking with deep compassion. Even after repeated rejection, His desire was still to gather His people to Himself. This shows that the heart of Christ is full of mercy. He longs to bring sinners near, cover them, and keep them safe.
Reflect on this:
There is safety in coming near to Jesus. His heart is still open to receive, shelter, and save. Do not remain exposed when His wings are still open.
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