On the third day I will reach my goal (Luke 13d)

On the third day, I will reach my goal

Luke 13:31-35*

Key Verse – Luke 13:32

Introduction: Some Pharisees brought news that King Herod wanted to kill Jesus. This threat would greatly risk Jesus’ plan to go to Jerusalem. This could also jeopardize his salvation work, which was his life-long goal. But Jesus did not sway from his course of life; instead, he gave Herod a message of salvation. In that message, we can find his view of life. Though Jesus expressed his goal in terms of his journey to Jerusalem, what he said here gives us an insight on how he viewed his life-purpose. This view was the foundation of his unswerving decision and uncompromising resolution to stay the course of his life, i.e. the way of the truth and life.

His view of life is so important, because we believe that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life for us. Knowing his view of life is a great source of truth, as well as a great encouragement for us all, who follow the way of life. I pray that, through this passage, we may learn Jesus’ way of life, particularly in facing the threat of death.

1.    Herod’s threat

 “At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."” (Luke 13:31).

Not long after Peter’s confession of Christ’s true identity (Luke 9:20), Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem (Luke 9:51). Some Pharisees came to him with a message that Herod the Tetrarch wanted to kill him. Sometime before this day, Jesus’ fame had reached King Herod (Luke 9:7-9), and at this time, Jesus was still in Herod’s territory, within the Galilean borders.

The Bible does not disclose why Herod wanted to kill Jesus, but we can make a reasonable guess. Jesus drew such large crowds and many thought that he was the coming Messiah. For Herod, Jesus’ power and popularity posed a threat to his throne. His father, Herod the Great, killed many children under the age of two, in an attempt to kill the newborn baby, Jesus. Herod the Tetrarch was his son, who had already killed John the Baptist, a powerful prophet of God. If this man decided to kill Jesus, then he was capable of doing so and it was a great threat to Jesus’ life and plan. How did Jesus handle this threat? Jesus gave an answer on what he would do.

2.    I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow.

“He replied, "Go tell that fox…”” (Luke 13:32).

Jesus compared Herod to a fox. A fox has a distinctive character. It is noted in Wikipedia:

“Foxes tend to use a pouncing technique where they crouch down to camouflage themselves in the terrain, then using their hind legs, leap up with great force to land on top of their targeted prey.”

Jesus might have called Herod a fox because of his cunning scheme to prey on his enemies. His only concern was to keep his power and territory and in order to do so, he  preyed on anything that got in his way. He had no sense of right or wrong and no fear of God at all. To this man, Jesus sent him a message concerning what he was doing and was going to do in the coming days, giving a succinct summary of the remainder of his life on earth. There are many people today who behave like foxes and we will surely face many of them.

“'I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'” (Luke 13:32b).

For the sake of understanding, I divided this passage into two phrases, but as a whole, the verse is an idiomatic expression to denote the entirety of an event. “Today” does not represent the exact day Jesus spoke, and “the next day” is not necessarily the day after that day. These three days are given as a sequence of events that cannot be separated from each other. What Jesus is doing now cannot be separated from what he will do tomorrow. Also, what he will do on the third day is part of what he did on the previous two days. These three days make one set of events.  In this way, “three days” are a depiction of Jesus’ entire life. This gives us Jesus’ understanding of his life as a whole - his purpose, his goal, and his actions! It is also interesting to know how Jesus viewed his life and how he wanted to present his life to others, especially to those like King Herod, who had no understanding of any godly matters and no respect for anyone.

“Today” refers to what he was doing at that time and “tomorrow” represents the days that were coming. “The third day” is the day when all these would come to a close. So Jesus would accomplish two things “today” and in the days following, namely, healing the sick and driving out demons. What he would do on the third day is somewhat ambiguous. Here, it is interpreted ‘reach my goal’. In the New American Bible, it is translated as ‘accomplish my purpose’ The meaning of this phrase has a sense of ‘to finish’ or ‘to complete’. Jesus would finish or complete all of his works of healing and driving out demons by the third day. This means that Jesus’ entire life had one goal: to heal the sick and to drive out demons.

We know that Jesus did far more than just these two acts; at the beginning of his ministry, he healed many sick people and drove out many demons. These works caught the attention of many because these two needs are often the most troubling in life. Actually, these two kinds of work continued throughout his ministry, until he reached Jerusalem. We also know that, at one point in his early ministry, Jesus left a large crowd that had come for healing, so that he might focus on his teaching about the kingdom of God. So these three things, healing the sick, driving out demons, and preaching the kingdom of God, made up of his life’s work until he was arrested and crucified. But out of these three, he only listed two to Herod: healing the sick and driving out demons. Not only that, Jesus would finish his life by completing these two things. Why did he give this  somewhat unique message to Herod, a man who was like a fox? Before answering this question, it’s good to find out what Herod understood. Luke 9:7-9 describes the situation:

“Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him” (Luke 9:7-9).

Herod was very much perplexed, because he did not have any understanding of God’s power. In his message to him, Jesus gave two distinctive marks of his work: healing the sick and driving out demons. These two kinds of works testify to one truth; that they are not works of a man but works of God. John the Baptist never healed anyone or drove out demons from anyone. So Jesus has nothing to do with John. As it was, these two kinds of works served as both a testimony to the people of Galilee and also a sign to Herod that Jesus was of God and from God, not of man. Jesus is far greater and more powerful than John the Baptist, so Herod must pay attention to him. What can we conclude regarding this message given to Herod? It is a message that the Son of God had arrived and that he needed to think seriously about what he planned to do.

A message concerning these two works of Jesus was the plainest way of communicating God’s truth that Jesus could provide. It was given to King Herod, a man like a fox, but could apply to any ungodly people.  These two works fitly represent Jesus’ entire life as well because, on the cross, he undid the ill-effects of sin that had come upon the human race. This is the most basic and fundamental message given to many people who live and behave like foxes. Also, many will rise and fall because of this message. We can tell anyone “Jesus healed all sicknesses and drove out all demonic forces from men.” Do you believe this?”    

3.    Jesus showed a strong will to give his life for sinners out of the compassion he shared with the Father for His people.

a.    Jesus showed his strong will…

“He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'” (Luke 13:32).

Jesus expressed his strong will, by saying ‘I will’. Despite Herod’s death threats, he was going to continue the work he was doing that day on coming days, until he had fully finished his work. He would continue driving out demons and healing the sick, refusing to change his plans or his course toward Jerusalem. How could he take such a strong stance and show unswerving resolution to pursue his goal?

b.    His will was to give his life for sinners.

After giving this message to the Pharisees, Jesus turned around and explained more about what he meant:

“In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day-- for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!” (Luke 13:33).

Irrespective of Herod’s threat, or even before this threat was communicated to him, Jesus had decided to heal people and drive out demons, and had been doing it up to that time. Here, these three days’ work is taken as an obligation or duty. In the Greek, the verb is expressed in the passive voice, i.e. God demanded that he do these works. This is a contrast to Luke 13:32, where Jesus expressed his strong will to be about his work. His strong will was based on God’s will for people. Also, I would like to note that the verb ‘reach’ is not in the active voice but in the passive voice. This is also a strong indication that God would complete in Jesus what he had started - healing the sick and driving out demonic forces. In this way, Jesus believed God’s sovereign will for his life and that He would do what He planned to do. What was God’s will?  

“for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!” (Luke 13:33b).

God’s will was for Jesus to die on the cross as a ransom for many and he was so certain that this would happen that he was fully ready to do so, trusting God’s perfect will. God’s sovereign will is the foundation for a will strong enough to withstand even death threats.

Death was Jesus’ goal. Though it was God’s will, it is odd and unthinkable to think that anyone would take death as his life’s goal. As we know from Scripture, Jesus’ death was not a passive subjection to evil, but rather a willing sacrifice for the sake of all sinners. It was him giving up his life as a ransom for many. By giving away his life, Jesus provided the means to undo all the ill-effects of sin, i.e. all kinds of sicknesses and demon possessions. In this way, his death completed what he had been doing throughout his life. Though it is unthinkable for anyone to take death as their life goal, how they give away their life (i.e. death) must be essential part of their goal. However, as with Jesus, when one decides to give his life, there is nothing to fear, and he can fulfill whatever God has planned for his life. The kind of threat from such a man as Herod is the most fearful threat, because he had no respect for God at all. But when one decides to give their life, even for the sake of sinners, there is nothing to fear. In this way, Jesus is the model of victory for all who face death, such as martyrs.  

c.    Jesus shared God’s compassion for His people.

“In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day-- for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! "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, and you were not willing” (Luke 13:33-34).

As his mind contemplated the final day of his death, his mind was suddenly filled with emotion over Jerusalem; sadly, Jerusalem had rejected God’s love and would face His punishment, the punishment that would be much worse than anything she had ever experienced before. Why did Jesus have to die in Jerusalem and why  couldn’t he let it go so easily?

Jerusalem is the place where God established His temple as the place of His presence. God wanted to be Israel’s God and to stay there among His people. So, here in Jerusalem, God provided everything that was needed for them to seek Him. But despite His provision, they persistently failed to follow Him.

"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken...See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her-- but now murderers! Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water. Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them” (Isa 1:18-23 NIV).

This prophecy was given about 750 years before this event. It was like an ultimatum from God against Israel’s unbelief and rebellion, but Israel, according to tradition, killed Isaiah by sawing him in two. Since then, God had punished them for their sins by sending them into exile in foreign nations. Also, He had sent numerous prophets to warn them. Finally, God sent the last prophet, John the Baptist. Then Jesus came and pleaded many times with the religious leaders to repent, but they were still unwilling. In light of God’s life-giving love, it is heart-breaking that they failed to know this love and remained in their rebellion. It further adds sorrow on top of sorrow that they would be punished for their rebellion.

“Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" (Luke 13:35).

In this way, Jesus fully shared God’s compassion for His people and acted in this compassion. Jesus expressed that his heart was breaking in sorrow over Jerusalem just before his arrest:

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace-- but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (Luke 19:41-44).

Jesus saw the city and could not hide his pain and anguish for them! In this way, Jesus shared with God the same love and compassion for sinners. Essentially, Jesus is God’s ultimate expression of His love for sinners. Sharing God’s compassion and love for sinners was an integral part of Jesus’ strong will to carry out God’s goal.

What does this teach us?

We learned about Jesus’ strong stance and will to carry on his goal. His will was not deterred by death threats. We will examine this in order to find out how we can apply this to our lives since we are called to follow Jesus. Following Jesus means to learn the way he walked and follow his way of life. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. His demand is well-reflected in this teaching:

“As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But he replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:57-62).

From all of his disciples, Jesus demandedan unswerving decision to follow him as he walked the life of truth. In this regard, what Jesus did in today’s passage is also important for us.

a.    Jesus had a clear goal for his life, just as we are to have. Do you have a clear goal for your life? I do not mean an abstract and philosophical goal but an actual and tangible goal, in which you can fulfill your life’s purpose. Jesus had a clear and tangible goal to go to Jerusalem, where he would give his life into the hands of the people. Through this, he wanted to fulfill his purpose and God’s will. Philosophical or ideological goals are good and may govern our minds; however, if they aren’t concrete, our minds change and if there is a threat, we may change completely. If you do not have a goal, please find one! And make sure it is concrete.

b.    Your goal must be grounded in God’s will and purpose. Jesus showed his strong assertion and will in Luke 13:32. But, in the next verse, Jesus felt that he must do these things because it was God’s will.

c.    Jesus’ goal was to give his life and his direction was towards his life-giving death; seeing death as his ultimate goal and as the fulfillment of or completion of his life is very important. Life-giving life, as well as life-giving death, should be our goal as it was Jesus’.

d.    Jesus shared God’s compassion and love for sinners. Without sharing God’s compassion, it is almost impossible to follow His will. Jesus’ goal was strongly supported by his compassion for his people and his knowledge of the predicament of sinners.

  

I pray that you may have a goal in accordance with God’s will and purpose and that you may share God’s compassion for all sinners, as Jesus did. And God will surely be with you and give you His power, by which you can overcome all hardships, even death-threats.