MATTHEW 23:37–39, THE LAMENT OVER JERUSALEM
THE HEART OF GOD REJECTED YET STILL WAITING IN MERCY
Introduction
These words of Jesus are spoken immediately after His severe denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. Having exposed religious hypocrisy and false leadership, Jesus now reveals His heart. The tone shifts from prophetic rebuke to sorrowful lament. Standing in Jerusalem, the city of David and the center of worship, Jesus looks upon the history of God’s people and mourns their repeated refusal to accept God’s messengers. This lament prepares us for His Passion, showing that the coming judgment flows not from vengeance, but from rejected love. Jesus reveals a God who longs to save, gathers patiently, and weeps when His mercy is refused.
Bible Passage (Matthew 23:37–39)
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her young under her wings, but you were unwilling. Behold, your house will be abandoned, desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Background
This lament echoes the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. Jerusalem was the chosen city where God placed His name, the site of the Temple, sacrifices, and festivals. Yet it also became the place where prophets were rejected and killed. Jesus stands in continuity with prophets like Jeremiah and Isaiah, but He goes beyond them. He speaks not only as God’s messenger but as God Himself, expressing divine sorrow. These verses also anticipate the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and point forward to the final recognition of Jesus as Messiah.
Opening Life Connection
Every parent, teacher, or pastor knows the pain of loving someone who refuses guidance. Love cannot force itself. God respects human freedom, even when that freedom leads to loss. This Gospel invites us to reflect on how often God has tried to gather us through Scripture, conscience, people, and events—and how often we have resisted.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem.”
The repetition expresses deep emotion, grief, and longing. It is the cry of a heart wounded by rejection, not the anger of condemnation.
“You who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you.”
Jesus recalls Israel’s history of rejecting God’s messengers. Resistance to prophecy is resistance to conversion.
“How many times I yearned to gather your children together.”
God’s desire to save is persistent and patient. The initiative always comes from God.
“As a hen gathers her young under her wings.”
This tender image reveals God’s maternal care, protection, and warmth. It recalls Old Testament imagery of God sheltering His people.
“But you were unwilling.”
The tragedy lies not in God’s absence, but in human refusal. Grace is offered, not imposed.
“Your house will be abandoned, desolate.”
The Temple, once filled with God’s glory, becomes empty when God’s presence is rejected. Judgment is the consequence of persistent refusal.
“Until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
This is both a warning and a promise. Rejection is not the final word. Hope remains for repentance and recognition.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Jerusalem was called the “City of Peace,” yet it became a place of violence against prophets. The image of God sheltering Israel under wings appears in Psalms and Deuteronomy. The phrase “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” comes from Psalm 118, sung during pilgrim feasts. It was shouted during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and points to Israel’s future acceptance of the Messiah.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church teaches that God desires the salvation of all and never ceases to call sinners to repentance. Human freedom is real and respected. Jesus’ lament reveals the mystery of divine mercy and human responsibility. The desolation of the Temple signifies the passing of the old order and the inauguration of the new covenant in Christ, fulfilled through His death and resurrection.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Augustine reflected on this passage by saying that God knocks at the door of the human heart, but never breaks it down. Augustine’s own conversion came after years of resistance, showing that God’s mercy waits patiently, even when delayed.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel invites personal examination. Where have we resisted God’s call? In habits, relationships, forgiveness, or obedience? It also challenges the Church to be a place where people are gathered under Christ’s wings, not burdened or driven away. The lament over Jerusalem can become a lament over our own hearts if we persist in refusal.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ gathers His children once more. The same Jesus who wept over Jerusalem now offers Himself as food and shelter. The altar becomes the place where we willingly come under His wings, receiving mercy, protection, and life.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Recognize God’s persistent and tender desire to gather and protect us.
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Repent of resistance to God’s invitations and prophetic voices.
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Choose willingness over stubbornness in responding to grace.
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Trust that even after rejection, God still offers hope and mercy.
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Resolve to return to the Lord with humility and praise, saying with faith, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
Outline for Preachers
• Context: Jesus’ lament after denunciation
• Life connection: love rejected yet persistent
• Key images and phrases explained
• Jewish prophetic background and Psalm 118
• Catholic teaching on mercy and free will
• Saintly illustration of delayed conversion
• Application to personal and communal life
• Eucharistic gathering under Christ’s wings
• Call to repentance, hope, and praise
