Pastor column: The journey to Jerusalem was determination executed

In Luke 9:51, which is unique to Luke, Jesus purposes to go to Jerusalem — a journey of determined faith, a journey to the cross. “As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (vs. 51). The Lord “steadfastly set His face” (KJV) to go to Jerusalem in spite of the circumstances, which leads us to ask why was Jesus so determined?

The simple answer is that it was the will of God. Over and over again Jesus emphasized that His purpose was to do the will of the Father. He said, “For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). The Lord was determined because it was the will of God and so must we be. Follow after God’s will for your life, be sure of it and do not be discouraged in it. Even when it brought pain and dread, Jesus was faithful to God’s will. Let the determination of Jesus inspire your faithfulness.

Why was Jesus determined? He loved the lost. Even though this was a city that had rejected Him and would reject Him, He loved the people. Luke 13: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (vs. 34). It was for this city, for all people, that He would give His life when He got there. We must be determined to follow God’s will because we love the lost. If we get discouraged and lose heart, how many will be lost because of it? Let the determination of Jesus inspire your faithfulness.

Why was Jesus determined? Because, what looked like defeat to His enemies, it was not the final word. Jesus was not going to Jerusalem as a defeated victim but as a conqueror. John 12: “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself” (vs. 32). In your life you may be able to point to circumstances and situations that didn’t turn out like you wanted them to, but don’t think you are defeated when you are following God’s Word and Will. Human observation is not the final word. Let the determination of Jesus inspire your faithfulness.

Jesus was determined, and His determination to do God’s Will ought to inspire us to be as determined as He was. Following the Lord isn’t always easy. We must be determined, as Jesus was. Hebrews 13 says, “So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (vs. 6). Nothing demands more courage than being a genuine disciple. It takes courage to begin; it demands faithfulness with every step of the journey.

God give us renewed courage to steadfastly set our faces to go to Jerusalem.

Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Jesus was determined to do God's word and will