How Often I Have Longed
Sermon March 16, 2025 Luke 13:31-35 How Often I Have Longed
Pastor Fred Okello
Last Sunday, we reflected on how Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13). After failing to make Jesus stumble, the scripture tells us that “the devil left him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). Today’s passage in Luke 13 presents what appears to be one of those opportune times. The devil, still determined to derail Jesus from His mission, comes again—but this time through the Pharisees.
The Pharisees come to Jesus with what seems like a warning: “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you” (Luke 13:31). On the surface, it sounds like they are concerned for His safety. But could this be another form of temptation? Could this be another attempt to make Jesus abandon His mission?
Jesus’ response is unwavering: “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). Even the threat of death does not deter Him. He understands that His mission must be fulfilled.
Brothers and sisters, everything we enjoy today, I bet, has cost someone their life somewhere. I say everything—whether it is technology, infrastructure, faith—whatever we seem to enjoy, it came at a price.
The roads we drive on, the cities we live in—someone labored, someone sacrificed, and some even lost their lives to make these things possible.
The freedom we enjoy, the democracy we speak of, the rights we exercise—these came at the cost of people who fought and died for them.
Even our faith—the privilege of worshiping God, reading the Bible, and gathering freely in churches—was made possible because Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price on the cross. Many believers throughout history have also laid down their lives so that the gospel could reach us.
Since all these things came at a cost, let us use all the provisions we have to give God glory, making our Father in heaven happy! Let us not take for granted the sacrifice behind what we enjoy today. Instead, let us commit ourselves to living faithfully and purposefully.
A missionary couple once felt called to serve in a war-torn region despite repeated warnings about the dangers. Friends and family pleaded with them: “It’s too dangerous! Your lives are at risk! Find a safer place to serve.”
The temptation to leave was strong. Fear was real. But after much prayer, they realized that God had called them to be a light in that place. They chose to stay. Years later, their ministry bore much fruit. They saw lives transformed, churches planted, and communities healed. They endured hardships, but they knew that the cause was greater than their personal safety.
Like Jesus, they refused to let the fear of danger dictate their mission. They understood that their purpose was greater than personal security. They chose to stay the course.
Jesus knew His mission. He was determined to go to Jerusalem, even though He knew what awaited Him. Instead of fearing Herod or the Pharisees, He grieved over the people’s rejection:
“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 13:34)
Jesus’ heart was broken for those who rejected Him, yet He remained faithful to His mission. The cross was not an obstacle; it was the goal.
We, too, will face temptations to abandon God’s calling—especially when the path is hard. But Jesus teaches us that we must fix our eyes on God’s purpose. We must trust Him even when the road seems uncertain. We must not let temporary struggles keep us from fulfilling God’s purpose.