March 31, 2026
Holy Week - Part 2
Matthew 23:37-39
03/31/2026
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the
prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How
often would I have gathered your children together
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and
you would not!
38 See, your house is left to you desolate.
39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until
you say, ``Blessed is he who comes in the name of
the Lord.'' (ESV)
We believe, teach, and confess that Jesus died and rose
again to pay the price of all sin for all people for all time.
Why, then, are many people condemned? It is not that God desires
their eternal death, but that they have rejected the message of
salvation by grace through faith for the sake of Christ.
On Tuesday of the week Jesus died He and His disciples
visited the Temple in Jerusalem. While there, Jesus lamented
over the the city, expressing His frustration that the message of
God's mercy was rejected.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the
prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often
would I have gathered your children together as a hen
gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!
See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell
you, you will not see me again, until you say,
``Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.''
Within forty years the city would be in ruins, destroyed by
the Romans.
Today the Church prays for those who do not yet know the
peace of God which comes from the forgiveness of sins. We hope
that this message of peace reaches those who otherwise have no
lasting hope.
Almighty and everlasting God, grant us by Your grace so
to pass through this holy time of our Lord's passion
that we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins; through
Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns
with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
May our Lord grant us grace to accept His gift of love with
thanksgiving. Amen.