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Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be Looking at the Gospel of Luke to illuminate how Jesus proclaimed both the love and justice of God.
So let’s dive in.
Luke 13:34-35
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
My Thoughts
Jesus does what He has done time and time again. He points to the Scriptures that directly point back to Himself. He quotes a portion of Psalm 118 where the Psalmist begins by acknowledging God’s love for His people (Psalm 118:1-4). Jerusalem represents the people of God, the Children of Israel. And at this time, like in times past, they are divided. It has true worshipers of Yahway and the opposition. The opposition are often those who fane religiosity and yet kill the authentic messengers of God. They would soon do the same to Jesus. And yet both the Psalmist and Jesus front load the Love of God before the Justice of God. Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting (Psalm 118:1). Jesus expresses this same “lovingkindness” in His desire to gather them like chicks under His wings.
But Jesus also sees clearly what is in His future. By referencing this Psalm He also draws attention to a lament. This could be His personal lament as the Messiah. He unequivocally put His trust in the Father, the LORD. “From my distress I called upon the LORD” (Psalm 118:5). And He exposes the rebellion of man against the LORD’s anointed. “You pushed me violently so that I was falling,
But the LORD helped me” (Psalm 118:13). And even though He will die physically He also knows that death is not permanent. “I will not die, but live, And tell of the works of the LORD. The LORD has disciplined me severely, But He has not given me over to death” (Psalm 118:17-18). This Messianic prophecy is echoed in other parts of the Old Testament (Psalm 16:8–11, Isaiah 53:10–12). One may wonder why the sinless Messiah would have to be disciplined (Psalm 118:18). We are reminded by other passages that Jesus took on the wrath of God for our sins (Isaiah 53:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21).
The middle third of the Psalm points to “Good Friday,” the crucifixion. If we wonder what’s so “good” about it, the final third of the Psalm will spell it out. The author bursts into exaltation, praise, and hope. It begins with interesting imagery; The Gate, The Stone (Psalm 118:19-23). Both are descriptors Jesus uses of Himself as the way for salvation and by implication, judgment (John 10:7-9, Matthew 21:42). This sacrifice, exclusive and narrow as it is, delivers the repentant believer from the wrath of God. It prompts immediate voluntary worship of the Lord and thankfulness for His outrageous grace. On the other hand, for those who rebelled in the present life, this same sacrifice will be the cause of obligatory acknowledgement of His Lordship and end with their peril (Philippians 2:10-11).
Jesus’ proclamation, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD,” alludes to this judgment. But it can also point to those who recognize Him as King before it’s too late like the 3000 who are baptized on Pentecost (Acts 2:41) and 5000 more a little later on (Acts 4:4). The Psalm ends where it began, the LORD’s lovingkindness.
My Story
As a follower of Jesus I’m trying to get as close to His model as possible. Jesus was quick to love people through His good deeds but He was also very vocal about the justice and judgment of God. I’ve found this to be a tricky balance. I have tried to incorporate both the Love of God and the Justice of God as I share the gospel.
Just this week I had an opportunity to share the “Three Responses to a King.” His subjects can either be loyal, rebellious, or indifferent. Amazingly the two young guys we talked to this week both said they were loyal to King Jesus and had the testimony to back it up. I affirmed their walk with Jesus and encouraged them to share their story with others.
It doesn’t always go that way. In fact, about 80% of the time, people say they are indifferent. I’m pretty sure people think the “middle ground” is a safe place to be. When I get that answer I go to Revelation 3:15-16;
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”
But then I follow up with the love of the King and how He wants all men to repent and come to Him and He gives them eternal life. Interestingly, I’m getting closer to the pattern of Psalm 118 and Jesus Himself.
Our Action Plan
Now it’s time for application. Here’s some questions and ideas;
- In your “gospeling” are you presenting both the grace and judgment of God?
- Are you training others to do the same?
- Do an in depth Bible study on how the good news is shared in the Gospels and Acts and looks for these two elements – Grace and Judgment
As disciples and disciple-makers of Jesus we are not only becoming like Him in character and deed. We would also do well to emulate Him in His ministry principles and practices. When we share the gospel let’s proclaim both the love of God and warn people of His coming wrath.
Organic Writing – No artificial sweeteners or intelligence added.
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