At that time some Pharisees came to him and said, "Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.' "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. (But) I tell you, you will not see me until (the time comes when) you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" (Lk 13:31-35)
No one wants to be killed. Everyone like to continue live for more days. Even the dying person would want to continue to live for an extra hour. Pharisees come to Jesus and report to him the intention of Herod. Was it to help him or to prevent him from continuing his work? We do not know their intention. But Jesus was sure of his moves and actions.
Jesus was not bothered about his death. One day one had to leave this world. Jesus came with a mission and this mission has to be completed. Once the mission is completed then his purpose for living on this earth is completed. Living and not-living are not essentials in life. Living with a mission and completing the purpose for which one came into this world are important.
The purpose for which Jesus came into this world was to gather the people together. This was the purpose for the beginning of the nation. They came out of Egypt with these goals in life: one God; one people. People united as a single fold around the Lord was the purpose of every prophetic message and that was the mission of Jesus.
