Jerusalem was not far now. It had been a long journey through Galilee, Samaria, and Judea — a long journey of teaching, healing, controversy, and, yes, opposition. But now Jesus nears his goal. Jerusalem, the holy city, the destination for faithful Jews throughout history. Suddenly, an interruption — some Pharisees with a warning: "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you" (Luke 13:31). But Jesus will not be dissuaded. He has work to do ... even though he is not received well nor welcomed. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!" (Luke 13:34).Sigh.

There is a Peanuts cartoon that has been around for …