31 On that same day, some Pharisees came, saying to Jesus, “Get out of here, and go away, for Herod wants to kill you.”

32 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 complete my mission. 33 Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, for it can’t be that a prophet perish outside of Jerusalem.’

34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers her own brood under her wings, and you refused! 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Luke 13:31-35 - World English Bible

On his way to Jerusalem, Pharisees warned Jesus of Herod's intent to treat him just like the Baptist (Luke 9:7-9). He answered with two prophecies separated by a lament. First, he would continue his mission for two days and complete it on the third, just like his death and resurrection. Between the two prophecies, he cried out for the capital, the place of his demise. Jerusalem gloried its Temple but had the blood of the prophets on its hands. Jesus tried to “gather its children” with his preaching but the city refused; that rejection would lead to his destruction (its family or “house” left desolate). He ended with a second prophecy, this one about his entrance into the city (Luke 19:28b-40). The people would welcome him with the beatitude “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” This verse from Psalm 118:26 praised the king when the siege of the capital broke, forcing enemies to retreat; it recognized the presence of the Messiah. Taken together, this passage affirmed the Lord's vision of his place as the Christ; the people would recognize him, but would reject his message and kill him.

Reflect on the place of Christ in your life. How is he the Messiah?