MPV Commentary

31. Jesus continued on His journey out of Perea and towards Jerusalem, leaving Herod's dominions behind. He was likely aware that Herod wanted Him to leave, possibly due to guilty fears (see Mr 6:14). The Pharisees, sent by Herod under the guise of a friendly warning, urged Jesus to depart from Herod's jurisdiction for His own safety.

32. Jesus referred to Herod as "that fox," highlighting his cunning and cruel nature towards God's innocent servants. He responded to Herod's attempt to intimidate Him with a message that conveyed dignity and irony: "I am actively working to drive out demons and perform healings, and these efforts are nearing completion." Jesus' work was not limited to preaching the Gospel; His merciful actions spoke louder than words.

33. In a remarkable display of calm deliberateness, Jesus stated that He would complete His work in three stages: today, tomorrow, and on the third day. This language emphasized the successive steps of His mission, which were rapidly approaching completion (compare Lu 22:37). Jesus' declaration was a rebuke to Herod's threat, as if to say, "I will not be intimidated or deterred from my purpose."

34-35. In a poignant expression of sorrow and warning, Jesus lamented over Jerusalem, saying, "How often I longed to gather your children together, but you refused." This statement echoed His earlier words (Mt 23:37; Mt 23:39).