At that time some Pharisees said to Him, “Get away from here if You want to live! Herod Antipas wants to kill You!” Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish My purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on My way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!
Luke 13:31-33
At that very hour (literally) the Pharisees suggest that Jesus leave town. The use of “at that very hour” emphasizes the connection with what has gone before it. This is their response to what Jesus told them about the narrow door, and the door shut in their face; Gentiles being accepted and allowed in and Jews not, especially those who think they are important but in the scheme of things really are not. That did not go down well I am sure. Did you catch the irony of the narrow door and the shut door? I am sure they did. I am also sure they didn’t like it. So they want Him run out of town. His comment that some Gentiles would be saved but not them, would have stirred up their anger.
Then we have this curious segment – get out of town, Herod (Antipas) wants to kill you. Well, isn’t that remarkable. It’s not be-kind-to-Jesus week. After all the controversy between Jesus and the Pharisees, they offer Jesus some advice (a warning), to protect Him from Herod. Is that really what is going on? Hardly. We have no indication anywhere in Scripture that Herod Antipas intended to kill the Messiah. Oh, he was responsible for John the Baptist’s death, but he sure couldn’t have risked another blunder like the John incident. The threat appears to be: you had better leave if you know what’s good for you. If you stay here in Herod Antipas’ territory, things won’t go well for you. He is after you to kill you. [But we are concerned for you and it is better that you leave. Yeah right!] I think they simply wanted Jesus to be gone from their area, but didn’t want to say it outright because it would anger the crowd, with the following He had. If anything, I am sure they would rather He departed for Jerusalem where the Sanhedrin was more equipped and had the authority to handle Him and bring Him to “justice”.
The next element is interesting. “Go tell that “fox”, Herod, what I am doing and tell him I will keep doing it.”
It’s a case of:
- I’m going to report you to the principal.
- I’m going to report you to the police.
- I’m going to report you to authorities.
Sure go ahead! Tell them what I am doing and tell them that I will keep doing it, today, tomorrow and the next day. That ought to give them time to get here. Should I call them for you? Here, here is their number on speed dial if you want to use my phone.
There is much worthy of comment in these few verses.
“Herod, that fox” contains a number of points of comparison worth exploring:
- A) “That fox” means cunning, crafty.
- B) “That fox” means insignificant, not worth bothering about.
- C) “That fox” means destroyer, one who nips at the heels to cause harm.
- D) “That fox” means a symbol of cowardice, one who only works in a pack, a devious but weak ruler.
Or perhaps all of these qualities of foxiness are intended.
Jesus’ message is effectively, I will carry on with My work. I am not bothered in the least by that fox, Herod. I am working to God’s timetable, not Herod’s or yours. In fact, I’ll keep working today, and tomorrow and the next day. It is even possible that this is an Aramaic idiom which means “day after day” for an unlimited but finite time. I will be right here doing what I am doing now: healing, setting the captives free, doing damage to the realm of the devil and ushering in the Kingdom of God. I will keep doing it too. Neither you, nor Herod will stop Me. Do you think the One who is Master over demons and Lord over diseases, the Messiah / Creator, is worried about a fox yapping at His heels?
“I will finish what I am here to do.” Wow, what a deep and meaningful statement that is.
I will finish / accomplish / complete / bring to an end that which I am doing / or alternatively that for which I have come.
The verb used is [teleioo] to complete, bring to perfection or be perfected [teleioumai]. There is much behind the use of this verb in the New Testament. If you want a deep study, then study this word.
But suffice to say, here it can mean two or maybe three things in this context.
- It could refer to the completion of healing and exorcism that Jesus was doing in the area of Perea right then.
- It could refer to the completion of His work of redemption for mankind, the reason for which He had come, says Luke.
- Or it could mean “when I am perfected” or “when I reach my goal.”
I think Jesus is deliberately being obtuse and meaning all of the above.
Yes, He will stop working in Herod’s area when He is good and ready to stop. He will continue doing God’s work, His assignment, until He has finished – in this area. He will continue on His way to Jerusalem and face His death at the God appointed time for it. He will die in God’s timing and not by the hand or time appointed for Him to die by Herod Antipas. He will keep working day by day until everything is ready for the completion of His work. Or the reference to “today, tomorrow and the third day” is a veiled reference to the work of the Cross and His death, burial and resurrection.
Note that added to this, Jesus says something which is highly sarcastic or ironic.
- Jerusalem is the place for my death – after all Jerusalem must live up to her reputation as the city that kills prophets.
- Jerusalem is the place appointed for My death. It won’t happen in Herod Antipas’ area. I am in no danger here – but thanks for your concern.
- In fact I must go to your capital city, to the Sanhedrin you so dearly want to be involved, so that I may die at “your hands” there in Jerusalem, meaning the Pharisees.
Wow! Talk about a willing lamb to slaughter. What amazing things for Jesus to say.
- Note the repetition of Jerusalem. Here and in the verse to follow. Jerusalem Jerusalem . . .
- Note how intensely Luke sets the scene for what follows in the context of this journey to Jerusalem
- and then along the way, spells out with increasing detail the significance of it all.
Masterful stuff.
I’m tired of getting called out of my comfort zone… I’ve been known to whine and ask if I can serve God from the safety of my recliner. But that’s not God’s way.
Bob Gass
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Walt Emerson
The Value You Place On Anything Is Immediately Manifest By The Price You Are Willing To Pay For It.
Robb Thompson
Now that says something about your value when Jesus was willing to go to the extent that He did to ransom your soul.
Ian Vail
There is more love in God’s heart than there is sin in yours. Always.
Max Lucado