Book of Luke - Chapter 13 - Verse 34

The verse 'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!' speaks to the deep sorrow and frustration of Jesus over the rejection of God's messengers by the people of Jerusalem. Throughout history, God had sent prophets to guide and warn the people, only to have them ignored, persecuted, and even killed. In this verse, Jesus expresses his desire to protect and care for the people of Jerusalem, likening himself to a mother hen who gathers her chicks under her wings for safety and warmth. Despite his love and compassion, the people refused to listen and accept his teachings. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's messengers and the missed opportunities for redemption and salvation.

Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in this verse highlights the deep care and longing He had for His people. The phrase "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem" expresses a sense of sorrow and grief over the city's rejection of God's messengers. The repetition of the city's name emphasizes the severity of the situation as Jesus reflects on Jerusalem's history of rejecting and even killing those sent to them by God. The image of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings is a powerful symbol of protection and love. Jesus desired to gather the people of Jerusalem in the same way, providing them with safety and security. However, their refusal to accept His offer of protection and salvation led to their own downfall. This verse speaks to the theme of God's relentless pursuit of His people, even in the face of rejection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing God's love and grace, and the consequences of rejecting His invitation.