Jesus Is Not a Quiet Quitter

Summary

In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses an unexpected image to reveal his powerful love for his people. Speaking to the city of Jerusalem during the last week of his earthly ministry, Jesus says, “how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37). Jesus describes himself as a mother hen, gathering her chicks in a spirit of love and protection.