Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Matthew 23:37
This verse presents a heart-wroken lament over Jerusalem. Jesus personifies the city, known for its history of prophetic rejection. “How often would I have gathered thy children together” echoes the image of a protective, nurturing parent—like a hen gathering chicks under her wings. The imagery recalls Psalm 17:8 and Ruth-like tenderness, portraying Jesus’ longing to protect, nurture, and shelter his people. The refrain “and ye would not” exposes stubborn refusal and spiritual hardness in Jerusalem’s leaders and populace. The rejection culminates in a tragic refusal to accept God’s mercy even as the opportunity stands before them. This moment is both theological and pastoral: the Messiah’s dearest desire is to bring peace and safety, but human resistance thwarts divine initiative.
Theologically, the verse highlights God’s longing for intimate, protective fellowship with his people, and the tragedy of human obstinacy. It foregrounds divine grace extended through Jesus, testing whether the people will respond in faith. The image of a hen gathering her brood also speaks of tenderness, care, and protection—core motifs of the character of God. Yet the text also pronounces judgment on Jerusalem’s spiritual trajectory, warning that rejecting the Messiah’s proposed shelter leads to vulnerability and exposure to danger. The paradox is stark: the offer of shelter is available, but the response is rejection. This shapes the broader biblical narrative about salvation history, the limitation of human resistance, and the depth of God’s desire to redeem rather than condemn.
Application today centers on receptivity to Jesus’ care. Do you allow God’s shepherding influence to shape your decisions, or do you insist on charting your own course, even when grace beckons? Practical steps: spend regular times of prayerful discernment, invite Jesus to inspect areas of fear or pride that hinder trust, and practice hospitality and mercy toward those in need as a sign of your allegiance to God’s care. For communities, cultivate a posture of welcoming God’s redemptive moves—don’t resist reform that would bring people under God’s shelter. If you’ve felt distant from God, listen for Jesus’ invitation to draw near, to “come under his wings,” and to receive protection, healing, and guidance.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 32:11; Psalm 91:4; Luke 13:34; Hosea 11:1