ACC ~ Luke 13 v32 - 33

HEROD THE FOX

AUGUSTINE: The Lord said of Herod, “Go and tell that fox.” Because it [the fox] was troubled, what did it do? It slaughtered infants. What did it do? It slaughtered infants in place of the infant Word. They were made martyrs by the shedding of their blood, before they could confess the Lord with their mouths. And these are the first fruits that Christ sent to the Father. An infant came, and infants went. An infant came to us, infants went to God. From the mouths of infants and sucklings you have perfected praise. [1] SERMON 375.1. [2]

[1] Ps 8:2.

[2] WSA 3 10:328.

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS POINT TO HIS PASSION

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: But what did he tell them to say? “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.” You see that he declares his intention of performing what he knew would grieve the troop of Pharisees. So they drive him from Jerusalem, fearing that by the display of miracles he will win many to faith in himself. But inasmuch as their purpose there did not escape him since he was God, he declares his intention of performing what they hated and says that he shall also rebuke unclean spirits and deliver the sick from their sufferings and be perfected. This means that of his own will he will endure the passion on the cross for the salvation of the world. He knew, therefore, as it appears, both how and when he would endure death in the flesh. COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 100. [1]

[1] CGSL 402.

JESUS MUST DIE IN JERUSALEM

EPHREM THE SYRIAN: It was prophetic that Moses had given [the Israelites] the order to offer their sacrifices in one single place [1] —there to offer the lamb in sacrifice and [there] to accomplish an image of the redemption. Herod did not kill [the Lord] with the infants of Bethlehem, [2] nor did the Nazarenes when they hurled him down from the mountain, [3] since it was not possible for him to die outside of Jerusalem. For it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem. Take note that although it was Jerusalem that killed him, nevertheless Herod and Nazareth were united with regard to his death, and vengeance will be required of both for his death. Learn also from this that not only will vengeance for his blood be required of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but also everyone who saw and denied him will be convicted for having killed him. In saying “between the sanctuary and the altar,” [4] he has indeed shown their perversity, in that they did not respect even the place of atonement. The words, “How often would I have gathered your children together,” are similar to these, “See, these three years I have come, seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none.” [5] COMMENTARY ON TATIAN’S DIATESSARON 18.10. [6]

[1] Deut 12:2-18.

[2] Mt 2:13-18.

[3] Lk 4:29-30.

[4] Mt 23:35.

[5] Lk 13:7.

[6] ECTD 275-76**.