I have always appreciated the (few) references in the Bible that depict the female qualities of God. I was made in God’s image, so when I see a passage that reflects my gender, I feel deeply connected with my Creator. Surely male images of God abound, so when an image of God’s mother-heart pop up, it delights me.

In today’s passage we see Jesus’ desire to be like a mother hen to her vulnerable children. Oh, how he longed to gather up his chicks and keep them safe under his wings! I love the feel of that. Surely we all would like to be part of his brood, huddling in the warmth and safety of his protection.

The brood at the time of this writing was in deep trouble. Luke records the events that happened toward the end of Jesus’ ministry when Herod was seeking to kill him. Jesus steadfastly kept to his father’s agenda of healing and demon-casting. He knew his time would come in Jerusalem, and not before then.

Luke 13 (The Message)

³¹ Just then some Pharisees came up and said, “Run for your life! Herod’s got your number. He’s out to kill you!”

^32-35 Jesus said, “Tell that fox that I’ve no time for him right now. Today and tomorrow I’m busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick; the third day I’m wrapping things up. Besides, it’s not proper for a prophet to come to a bad end outside Jerusalem.

Then Jesus’ thoughts turned to his beloved city, the city of David built on a hill for all to see. He knew his ministry would end here, as it had for many of the prophets who preceded him in that great city. His crucifixion would result in great turmoil for the city and especially for his followers, and he desired to gather them up. But they refused to be gathered.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killer of prophets,
    abuser of the messengers of God!
How often I’ve longed to gather your children,
    gather your children like a hen,
Her brood safe under her wings—
    but you refused and turned away!
And now it’s too late: You won’t see me again
    until the day you say,
        ‘Blessed is he
        who comes in
        the name of God.’”

Just as Jesus longed to gather up the Jews, he longs to gather us up as well. He offers the protection and shelter of his wings and promises the mother-love that we need to thrive. Will you turn away, or come?

Safe by Michelle Robertson