HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. And they went on to another village.
“His face was set toward Jerusalem.” Don’t underestimate the meaning and importance of this statement. For some time, Jesus had focused His ministry on the area of Galilee and had avoided Jerusalem, but the time was drawing near for God’s plan of redemption to be accomplished. The purpose of Jesus going to Jerusalem was to die, to become the lamb of God and offer Himself as a perfect, spotless sacrifice for the sins of the world. It would be, from a physical standpoint, the most difficult, agonizing, and torturous event of His life. But spiritually speaking, it would be the most powerful and effectual act ever witnessed. Despite the great physical suffering that Jesus knew was before Him, the spiritual benefit was worth the sacrifice, and so He set His face toward Jerusalem. He resolved to go there and would not be turned aside. He was determined to see God’s plan carried out, even through His own sacrifice. His commitment to His Father’s will was absolute, and His love for us was overwhelming. What a great testament to the greatness of Jesus’ love and sacrifice.
Why might this journey to Jerusalem have been difficult for Jesus?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
