Love That Pursues Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#52]

LOVE THAT PURSUES

Luke 13:31-35

Introduction:

During this Advent season, we're reminded of God's incredible love- Love that actively seeks us out, even when we don’t deserve it. Advent is a time to get ready for Jesus’ coming, but it’s also a time to remember that God's love is persistent and never gives up on us. It’s a love that reaches into our lives, no matter how broken or lost we may feel, and pulls us close. This season invites us to open our hearts to that love and let it transform us, inspiring us to love others the way God loves us.

In Luke 13:31-35, Jesus shows us what this love looks like. Even though He knows His enemies are trying to harm Him, He still chooses to move toward Jerusalem with love and compassion. Jesus’ words about wanting to gather Jerusalem like a mother hen gathers her chicks show us a love that’s fierce and caring- Love that chases after us and never gives up. This passage reminds us that Jesus’ love is active and persistent, always seeking to bring us close and lead us to salvation.

Luke 13:31-35

Pursuing love…

1. Longs for our return.

Jesus’ words show us that His love is always reaching out to us. Even when we turn away or ignore Him, He still cares deeply and wants us to come back. This shows us that God's love isn’t just a feeling- It’s an active pursuit. God’s love is relentless, constantly calling us back to Him because He wants us to be in relationship with Him. Practically, this means that no matter how far we feel from God or how many mistakes we’ve made, Jesus is still chasing after us with love and patience. Our job is to respond willingly and open our hearts to His love.

In our daily lives, this should inspire us to do the same for others. When we see someone who is distant from God or struggling, we shouldn’t give up on them. Instead, we should keep loving them, showing patience and kindness, trusting that God’s love can bring them back too. Just like Jesus longs for Jerusalem to turn back to Him, we are called to pursue others with love and care, even when it takes time.

Pursuing love…

2. Embraces our brokenness.

Jesus’ words about gathering Jerusalem “as a hen gathers her chicks” remind us that God’s love is gentle and caring. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect; instead, He loves us in our mess and brokenness. His love is a safe space where we can find comfort and grace. Practically speaking, this means we should accept ourselves and others just as we are- Flawed but loved. When we’re hurting or feeling unworthy, God's love is there to heal and restore us. We can also show this kind of love to others by being kind and patient, especially to those who are hurting or going through tough times.

Living out this love means being honest about our struggles and trusting that God’s love is enough to help us heal. It also means creating a safe place where people feel accepted and loved, even when they don’t have it all together. As followers of Jesus, our love should reflect His compassion- Meeting people where they are at and showing that love pursues even the broken and messy parts of life.

Pursuing love…

3. Leads to compassionate action.

Love that pursues isn’t just about feelings- It’s about what we do. Jesus’ desire to gather Jerusalem shows that love is active and practical. During Advent, a time when we’re waiting and preparing, it’s a good reminder that love should move us to help others. When we see people in need, love calls us to step in and show kindness- Whether that’s through small acts of service or words of encouragement. Love that pursues means we don’t just care from a distance; we get involved and make a difference.

In everyday life, this could mean volunteering, helping a neighbor, or simply listening to someone who needs to be heard. It’s about showing love through action, just like Jesus did. During this season, let’s remember that love is not just a feeling but something we actively do. When we reach out to others with kindness and compassion, we’re living out the love that God has shown us- Love that actively seeks to help, restore, and bring hope to those around us.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Jesus’ relentless love, (a love that longs for our return, embraces our brokenness, and leads us to compassionate action) today is the perfect moment to respond. Jesus’ love pursues us with patience and grace, never giving up no matter how far we’ve strayed or how broken we feel. He is calling each of us to open our hearts anew, to accept His love fully, and to allow that love to transform us from the inside out. As we prepare for His coming this Advent season, I invite you to consider how you can let His persistent love ignite a passion within you to love others as He loves us- Actively, compassionately, and unceasingly.