Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 13:31-35

"In that very hour there came certain Pharisees, saying to him, Get thee out, and go hence: for Herod would fain kill thee. And he said unto them, Go and say to that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures to-day and to-morrow, and the third [day] I am perfected. Nevertheless I must go on my way to-day and to-morrow and the [day] following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen [gathereth] her own brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you [desolate]: and I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." — Luke 13:31-35 (ASV)

Christ, in calling Herod a fox, gave him his true character. The greatest of men were accountable to God; therefore, it was fitting for Him to call this proud king by that name, but this is not an example for us.

Our Lord said, I know that I must die very shortly; when I die, I shall be perfected, I shall have completed my undertaking.

It is good for us to regard the time we have before us as short, so that we may be spurred on to do the work of the day in its day.

The wickedness of persons and places that, more than others, profess religion and a relationship with God, especially displeases and grieves the Lord Jesus.

The judgment of the great day will convince unbelievers. However, let us learn to thankfully welcome and profit from all who come in the name of the Lord to call us to partake of His great salvation.