The Hen and Her Chicks


What a perfect picture Christ paints after He just finished chastising the hypocrites. And with great emotion says the following about Jerusalem and ultimately to the whole world;

“. . . How many times I wanted to put my arms around all your people, just as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” – Mt 2337(GNT)

As I was waiting to get my car’s wheels balanced today at the local garage, I happen to pick up an old car magazine that was laying on the seat next to me.  I flipped through the magazine and happened to stumble upon an ad that was strangely out of place.  It said, in essence, that if you have heard of Christianity you might not be interested in religion.  And that Jesus was not interested in religion either, and He was in on relationships and teaching us how to love one another.  Also that you may not like what the church is teaching, but their church offers “authentic relationship”; and this particular church was learning to love God and each other.

The overstatements about Jesus and religion may have been because Scripture does speak about ‘pure and genuine religion’ by saying the following”

“What G-d the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this:  to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself form being corrupted by the world.” – James 127 (GNT)

Jesus did have a handful with the religious people of His day, and to the Pharisees, that were blinded by following tradition and rules not by the love that they had for G-d, but He pointed out that:

“In the same way, on the outside you appear good to everybody, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and sin.” – Mt. 2328 (GNT)

He makes it even more clear by pointing out the following:

“But I know what kind of people you are, and I know that you have no love of God in your hearts.” – Jn. 542 (GNT)

Jesus just wanted a loving relationship with them, but they were “not willing to come to [M]e in order to have life.” – Jn. 540 (GNT)

If being “religious” and following “tradition” (either Sacred or not) is for you to look good in front of people – instead of desiring and enjoying a “loving relationship” with G-d – He is not interested.

What He is offering is a close, forgiving and full of love relationship with His ultimate creation - Man and Woman.

So what is true religion? It is the love that G-d imparts. It is to be the lighthouse to burdened hearts of that love.

The Hen and Her Chicks The Hen and Her Chicks

The Hen and Her Chicks

A devotional reflection on Christ’s longing embrace and true religion as love lived out.

Hen covering her chicks
“How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood...” (Mt 23:37)

What a perfect picture Christ paints after He just finished chastising the hypocrites. With great emotion He says the following about Jerusalem and ultimately to the whole world:

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”
— Matthew 23:37 (NRSVUE)

As I was waiting to get my car’s wheels balanced today at the local garage, I happened to pick up an old car magazine... (continue your devotional text here).

Religion vs. Relationship

Jesus opposed empty ritual divorced from love. He confronted those who honored tradition outwardly but lacked inward devotion.

“So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
— Matthew 23:28 (NRSVUE)

True Religion

True religion is not performance; it is love embodied. James clarifies:

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
— James 1:27 (NRSVUE)

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You long to gather us under Your wings. Forgive us when we scatter in pride or hypocrisy. Teach us the religion of love—pure, undefiled, and radiant with compassion. Make us lighthouses for burdened hearts, shining Your mercy into the world. Amen.

Location: Hollywood, FL 33025, USA

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