Jesus leaves Galilee

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “You’d better get out of here if you want to live. Herod wants to kill you.” [Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee. He was one of the sons of Herod the Great.]

Jesus leaves the fox behind

Jesus told them, “Go give that fox a message for me. ‘Look, I’m exorcising demons and curing sick people. I’m doing it today. I’ll be doing it tomorrow. I’ll be finished with my work on day three.’ It’s true, I have to continue my trip today and tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I don’t have a choice because it wouldn’t do for a prophet to die outside of Jerusalem.

Jesus leaves for the city that kills prophets

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem. City that kills the prophets. City that stones to death messengers sent by God. So many times I have wanted to gather your children around me like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings of protection. But you didn’t want that. Your Jerusalem home will become a home for no one. I’m telling you this, the next time you see me you’ll be saying, ‘He comes with God’s approval and on God’s behalf’” (Luke 13:31-35).

Preaching his way to Jerusalem

Jesus headed south toward the Crucifixion, which he seemed to know was coming. Along the way, he continued healing people and teaching them. It was on this trip that he told some of his most stories and parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son famous as the Prodigal Son.

For more about Jesus, try to get your hands on The Jesus of the Bible, by Stephen M. Miller.