He would have gathered them as a hen gathers her chickens. They would not come. A hard heart can refuse the very life it needs.
Jesus named that refusal. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and that truth is freedom from all bondages — including a heart that will not come.
“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
“And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”
John 5:40 · KJV
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”
John 8:36 · KJV
If the heart has been hard, come anyway. He still makes free indeed.
Read the gospel of freedom