Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him. Mark 10:32
Some of you may remember that I made a post with a similar title three weeks ago on September 16th. That time, I was thinking about the willingness of the Apostle Paul to go to Jerusalem even though he knew it was dangerous to do so. This time, you can see that the person who was heading to that city was Jesus.
"Up To Jerusalem" was our morning sermon and the above verse was a portion of the text. As this verse was being read today, it gripped my heart. In the two verses following that one, Jesus explained to His twelve disciples exactly what was going to happen when He got there. Oh-my-goodness. Just think about it, fellow saints. Our Savior knew what suffering He was going to endure when He got to that place, yet He steadily and unwaveringly continued on. Picture Him making His way towards Jerusalem, with others fearfully following behind Him. Knowing that He would be betrayed, and condemned, and delivered over to the Romans, and mocked, and scourged, and spit upon, and then killed, did not stop Him. Love propelled Him onward--He had to go.
So, when you consider His journey to Jerusalem, can't you understand better why Paul wouldn't hesitate to go there too? I wonder what He wants you and me to do.
14 comments:
That's definitely dying to self in knowing that you may be required to die a physical death. I'm also reminded that Jesus did ask for the Father to remove that cup (of suffering) and even within that same breath declared not his will but the Father's Will be done. He wanted only to be within the Will of Father no matter what that entitled trusting in the Father's Love above his own understanding. What a lesson for us for when we often lean to our own understanding.
Proverbs 3 (KJV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
My daughter and I often get into in depth discussions for what it was like for the early church Christians when they faced death at the hands of the Romans. But I think with having experienced the lifting/covering that comes in moments of agony and sorrow, I can trust that His covering came for those in the OT/NT in the moment they needed it. God is never late but He is seldom early.
I noticed another blogger today who has boxes around their images. I wonder if it's a glitch for this blogger system. If I may make a suggestion, try adding this border=0 inside at the end of the image code. I hope it helps. See code portion example below:
...s1600-h/flowers1.jpg" border=0>
Hi Sparrow,
I always love it when you leave a comment. Your comments have so much depth and could even be a post in themselves. This verse is so precious for us to reflect on, isn't it? There are so many examples in the Word that Jesus' sacrifice of Himself was totally voluntary on His part. We are left with no doubt that what happened in Jerusalem and at Calvary were the will of the Father AND the Son.
btw, I tried doing what you said and the box is still there. It's something to do with the template I'm using and I hesitate to fool with that with my limited techy skills. Most of the time I like the box though I do think this particular image would look better without it. I think I'll live with it.:) Thanks for trying to help, sister.
It is so very humbling to know that indeed Jesus did know what he was going to have to endure yet, he willingly went "up to Jerusalem"
would we - meaning ME be as willing as Paul was to go there?
I love sharing thoughts about Jesus and I appreciate the opportunity and privilege with those who allow it.
Aw, rats. Sorry the code suggestion didn't work.
How often would I be willing to go "up to Jerusalem" knowing what Jesus knew. I would say almost never. What a savior we have.
He loved Jerusalem so. We have a painting of Jesus sitting on a hill, looking down on that city. What He knew... and to still go. It shakes me.
He would have me step forward in trust, I know.
Jesus knew his mission and never wavered. We focus on the pain; he focused on the people he loved. He came to bring life. That love overflowed to Paul. It's invigorating and wonderful. Thanks for sharing!
His love for His children was so great - how can we ever be discouraged? He made the ultimate sacrifice for us, and we are often so unwilling to do the "dirty work."
This was so humbling, Nanna. You are so right. He KNEW ahead of time and was obedient unto death. When have we done this?
Maxine, what struck me today with this Scripture is this: Jesus helped calm their fears... He still does that today through His precious Word. And oh how glad I am He meets us where we're at. I'm so glad He pressed on. He encourages us to do the same in His strength. God bless today my friend and thank you again for another wonderful, insightful post.
Your words grabbed me:
Love propelled Him...
I know that all of you who have commented on this post have captured the essence of what I was trying to say. This verse of Scripture brings home what a wonderful Savior we serve. Fuel to help us to keep on living (and blogging) for Him.
Such love... such obedience. He knew what He had to do, and He unshrinkingly went up to Jerusalem. And how I am humbled when I think about how I shrink from far less bitter cups.
May He give us all the grace to steadfastly walk the path He leads us on!
I'm reminded of the verse that Paul wrote: "To live is Christ, to die is gain."
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