What does Jesus say when he finds out that his mission has brought him into conflict with the sitting king of Israel? He says, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem’” (Lk 13:32-33, emphasis added). Jesus’ words show no deference to the political authority inherent in Herod’s status. He calls him a fox. This is not a compliment. To be called a fox in Jesus’ day
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