Luke 13:32Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Knowing their thoughts, He responded to them with humility, saying privately, ‘Tell that cunning one.’ Although it appears He refers to Herod as the cunning one, a closer examination suggests He may actually be alluding to the Pharisees. For He did not simply say to the fox ‘that one,’ but employed a more nuanced expression, indicating a particular meaning. By using the singular form ‘to the fox,’ He alluded to Herod, while the phrase ‘this one’ pointed towards their own treachery. The Pharisees indeed exhibited the slyness and indifference characteristic of a fox. Observe how He addresses their malice: they had incited fear in Herod out of jealousy for the miracles He performed.

What did Christ respond to them? He replied softly and subtly, as was His custom: ‘Go and tell that fox.’ It is important to grasp the significance of this statement. Though His words appear aimed at Herod, they actually pertain more to the malice of the Pharisees. Instead of simply saying, ‘Say to this fox,’ He skillfully employs language that points to the nearby Pharisee, referring to him as ‘this fox.’ He likens this individual to a fox, an animal known for its cunning and, if I may say, its wickedness, much like the Pharisees themselves. What did He instruct them to communicate?

Aware of their treachery, He responds with humility and wisdom, saying, ‘Go and tell that fox,’ referring to the craftiness and stubbornness that resides within them, for such is the nature of a fox. While His words seem aimed at Herod, they truly point towards their own dispositions. The phrase ‘today and tomorrow’ serves not only as a listing of days but also hints at the fleeting nature of time, as it is common to express short periods in this manner. Furthermore, ‘and on the third (day) I will finish’ indicates that His death is imminent. He spoke these words to soothe their wrath and jealousy.

The Pharisees could no longer tolerate such implications. Seizing upon the rumors, whether true or not, that Herod, the governor of Galilee, intended to harm Jesus, they presented Him with the option to leave Herod's territory. However, in His response, the Lord made it evident to the Pharisees that: 1) There was nothing in His deeds that warranted Herod's hostility; He solely performs acts of kindness; 2) A specific time has been established and ordained for His mission, which no one can shorten or extend; 3) If the Son of Man is to fall victim to human wickedness, it would be nowhere but in Jerusalem—the city that both the Pharisees and others revere, yet where the blood of all previous prophets was shed. ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!’ the Lord lamented.

In response to the admonition from the Pharisees, Jesus Christ says, "Go, tell that fox: Behold, I cast out demons and heal today, tomorrow, and the third day I will complete My work; no one can hasten the timeline set by God for My mission. However, I must travel today, tomorrow, and the day after, for it cannot be that a prophet meets his end outside of Jerusalem." This reference pertains mostly to the typical experiences of prophets, acknowledging that some, like John the Baptist, faced their end outside the city, which is where I must soon journey. Some interpreters perceive this as a general indication of the imminence of Christ's sufferings, interpreting "today, tomorrow, and the next day" as a proverb that signifies a short but definite period allotted for a task.

Recognizing the deceptive nature of the Pharisees and their Herodian sponsor, Jesus responded, “Go and inform this cunning one that I am casting out demons and performing healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete My work.” The reference to the fox highlights its sly, malicious, and bloodthirsty traits, which is why Christ referred to the treacherous Herod as a fox. The phrases "today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will complete" should not be taken literally, as there existed far more than three days before Jesus' act of expelling demons and healing, culminating in His crucifixion. Theophylact interprets “today and tomorrow” as signifying a considerable number of days, while Bishop Michael explains that these words represent a common saying, indicating that a particular activity would persist for a time, albeit not indefinitely.

However, this message failed to intimidate the divine Messenger, who instructed them to convey to Herod himself, the unfortunate ‘fox’ occupying the illusory throne, that His appointed time had not yet arrived, and that it would not take place here in Galilee, but rather where numerous prophets had already lost their lives. “It does not happen that a prophet should perish outside Jerusalem.” Following these declarations, Christ continued His ministry in Galilee for a while longer and performed two notable miracles, including the healing of a grieving woman who had endured suffering for eighteen years, as well as the cure of a man afflicted with dropsy.

Christ, aware of the contemptible character of this king, had previously branded him with the discreditable title of ‘fox’ (rather than ‘lion,’ as the tsar foolishly believed himself to be!).

“Go and inform that crafty one”: this is the Lord’s bold reply to the malicious threats posed by Herod and the Pharisees. The term fox symbolizes deceitfulness and treachery, along with a thirst for blood. If Herod truly dispatched the Pharisees, his craftiness becomes apparent, and the murder of John the Baptist reveals his brutality. - “Behold, I cast out demons,” etc.: this conveys that I am performing miracles in this area, accomplishing My tasks, and I will continue to do so until the appointed time, untroubled by his threats, deceit, or animosity. - “Today and tomorrow, and the third day I will finish”: this phrase seems to have been a well-known saying, implying that a particular condition or act would persist until a specified moment, no matter how short (see Theophilus).