“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…” What did Jesus Christ Mean by This? What Does it Mean in the End-Times?

When Jesus said “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…”, He was expressing deep sorrow, love, and prophetic lament over the city and its people. 

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!”
— Matthew 23:37, KJV
(also found in Luke 13:34)

What Did Jesus Mean?

This is one of the most emotional statements Jesus ever made. Knowing why He said this, and in the manner which it was expressed gives us some incredible insight. Let’s break it down, and try to understand this emotional plea:

1. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…” — A Lament of Love

• Repeating the name shows deep personal sorrow and affection. It’s not anger—it’s heartbreak.
• Jesus loved Jerusalem. He wept over it (Luke 19:41). It was the city of God’s covenant people, the center of worship, and the place of countless divine interventions throughout history.

2. “Thou that killest the prophets…” — A History of Rebellion

• Jerusalem had a long, tragic record of rejecting God’s messengers.
• Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, and others were persecuted or killed in and around the city because they preached truth and called for repentance.
• Jesus is saying, “This has always been your pattern—you silence those sent by God.”

3. “How often would I have gathered thy children…” — God’s Desire to Save

• This is the heart of the statement. Jesus, had longed to gather, protect, and save the people of Jerusalem.
• The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings is deeply tender and maternal—it shows His longing to shield them from judgment and wrath. Have you too felt this from Him?

4. “…and ye would not!” — Human Rejection of Divine Grace

• Despite all of God’s efforts to reach them, they refused.
• This echoes John 1:11: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”
• The tragedy is not that God failed to reach them—it’s that they rejected Him. I must say that I have never personally understood this very point, until today. He had the power to make things happen…to make them believe, but power was not utilized even to accomplish His will, as free agency would once again prevail.

This indeed has touched me. In a very small way, I understand His frustration. I have spent years sharing the teaching of the Savior on my blog, yet still only have a handful of subscribers. I often pray for His assistance in helping others find my words, and have often wondered why He can just make it happen. Today, in doing my own research in putting this blog together, I have answered that question. His actions weren’t that way when He was upon the earth preaching, I certainly should respect that and not expect anything different.

(I do have to say one thing here. I have felt the guiding hand of the Savior many times in prayerfully preparing my writings. I too am being taught by the Holy Ghost daily as I research and study the scriptures. I give all glory to Him, and if you agree, give Him a like.) =)

Context: Judgment Was Coming

This statement was made just before Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem, days before His crucifixion. In the verses that follow (Matthew 23:38–39), He says:

“Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”
“For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

This was a prophecy of:

• The coming destruction of the Temple (fulfilled in 70 A.D.)
• Israel’s spiritual blindness during the Church Age
• The future recognition of Jesus as Messiah at His Second Coming

The Message for Us Today in These End-Times

Jesus still weeps over rejection. He still longs to gather people under His protection. His heart breaks not only for Jerusalem but for every soul that refuses His love. The warning stands, but so does the invitation:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

Can you feel the Saviors love that He has for Jerusalem, and… ALL People? Jesus has that exact same love for all of us today, no matter where we live. His lament over Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 wasn’t just about a city—it was about people. People He longed to save, protect, and bring close. That same heart still beats for every person on earth.

 Jesus’ Love Was Never Limited to One City

While Jerusalem held a special role in God’s redemptive plan, Jesus came for the whole world:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 (KJV)

He wept over Jerusalem because it was representative of the nation—and of people who refused His love. But His invitation extends to all nations, including you and me today.

The Hen Still Calls Her Chicks

When Jesus said, “how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings,” He revealed the kind of personal, protective love He still offers today.

That invitation still stands:

• To the weary
• To the broken
• To the ashamed
• To those hiding
• To those trying to earn God’s love but never feeling good enough

He still says, “Come to me.”

His Global Invitation

Jesus’ final command before ascending into heaven was this:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

That includes:

• Kenya
• Canada
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• India
• The Philippines
• Australia
• …and wherever you are reading this right now.

Can you help me reach the people that you know who might not know Jesus Christ, or could benefit from these end-times writings?

A Personal Word

If you’ve ever felt like God’s love was for someone else—more religious people, more righteous people, or people in Bible stories—remember this:

Jesus longs to gather you, just like He longed to gather Jerusalem. He knows your name. He sees your pain. And He still invites you under His wings.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust…” — Psalm 91:4

Let’s help all of His children to hear His invitation. You and me can make a difference, if we do this together. Prayerfully let Heavenly Father know that you would like to Help the Savior gather His children by teaching others about Him. Then…Listen…And follow the promptings that you will receive, as He will guide you to those who need us, as well as give you the right words to say.

I appreciate your friendship, as well as your support in reading my writings each day. I’m so thankful to be on the Team of Christ. It is indeed more than just a winning team…it is my everything right now as we prepare to meet Him very soon…

I Can Only Imagine!

Please join me here, www.riverwilde.blog each day, as we study the writings of the End-Times.