Pastor's Corner - 6/24

In Luke 9:51, we reach a turning point in Jesus’ ministry: “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Literally, Jesus “set his face” toward Jerusalem. He knew rejection, suffering, and the cross were waiting there. Yet he did not turn back.

The verses that follow reveal a striking contrast. The disciples argued about who was the greatest. They tried to stop someone ministering in Jesus’ name because he was not part of their group. James and John wanted to call down fire on those who rejected Christ. Others expressed a desire to follow Jesus, but only if certain conditions were met.

Different people. Different situations. The same problem recurs. They want to follow Jesus on their own terms.

How often do we do the same? We want the benefits of following Christ without the sacrifice. We want the crown without the cross. We want Jesus to fit into our plans rather than surrendering ourselves to his.

Jesus never wavered. He set his face toward Jerusalem for us. He bore our sin, endured our rejection, and gave his life so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Because Jesus did not turn back from the cross, we can trust him when the path of discipleship is difficult. His grace is sufficient, his promises are sure, and his love will never fail.

Dear Church, stop trying to follow Jesus on your own terms. Fix your eyes on him, trust him completely, and follow wherever he leads. The one who set his face toward Jerusalem for you is worthy of your wholehearted devotion.