Weeping for his people
One greater than the prophets is here
Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37–39) climaxes his denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees by making the pattern and cost of Israel’s rejection unmistakable: God repeatedly sent his messengers, but the people resisted and rejected them. The lament draws out two linked truths.
First, God’s persistent sending. Jesus recalls the steady flow of prophets, teachers, and shepherds whom God dispatched to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness. These messengers came with God’s life-giving purposes—to gather, protect, and lead the people—yet time and again they were ignored, mistreated, or put to death. The history of rejected prophets shows that Israel’s problem was not a lack of outreach from God but a hard-hearted response that refused his correction and care.
Second, the greater presence and continuing rejection. Jesus identifies himself as the one greater than the prophets who now stands in their midst. Despite being the fulfillment of God’s sending—the promised One who would gather the children as a hen gathers her brood—he too meets resistance. His lament exposes the tragedy that even now, when God’s decisive messenger is present, the same pattern of refusal persists. The leaders’ outward religiosity and inward corruption (earlier chapters show them tithing herbs while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness) make them unable or unwilling to accept the true Shepherd.
The grief in Jesus’ words is both pastoral and prophetic: pastoral in his desire to protect and unite the people, prophetic in warning of consequences for persistent rejection. He mourns Jerusalem because rejecting God’s messengers has always led to loss—broken covenant, judgment, and the closing of opportunity. Yet embedded in the lament is also a final appeal: the One sent by the Father stands before them, offering gathering and healing, but the choice to accept or refuse remains.
In short: God sent prophets again and again; they were met with resistance and violence. Now someone greater—the fulfillment of those promises—is present, and yet the same rejection continues. Jesus’ lament exposes the tragic continuity between past refusals and present unbelief, calling attention to the urgent need for inward repentance rather than mere outward religiosity.
(ai summarized)
“ “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 were not willing! 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.’””