The Courage of Jesus

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35
31 At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 32 And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. 33 Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' 34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! 35 Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

Jesus showed courage in the face of
His enemies
paulines.ph

Reflection: In the face of danger, Jesus did not run away but continued on His mission for our redemption. It takes great courage to stand up to tyrants and exposing the truth about them. Jesus called Herod a fox, which in those days means a deceiver who would destroy for his own gain. In doing so, Jesus knew He faced certain death just like the prophets before Him who also died in the hands of powerful men whose authority they threatened.

Jesus' courage in the face of danger is the fruit of His love for us. Jesus cannot forsake His beloved people even if it means facing certain death in the hands of those who hate Him.  He knew that our sins has caused severe damage to our relationship with God that only God Himself can provide a way to restore it. Jesus' love for poor sinners has given Him the strength to face even death on a cross. He has fallen many times under the weight of the cross on the way to Calvary but stood up each time with a firm determination to carry out His mission.

Jesus' is committed to us all the way. His love has brought about our salvation through His perfect sacrifice. He felt the fear of facing death on a cross but went on to accomplish the will of the Father. It only shows that true courage is not the absence of fear but doing the right thing inspite of fear.

Thank you Jesus for your love that gave you courage to accomplish your saving mission. Thank you for bringing us back to the Father.