He Set His Face to Go to Jerusalem

When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
Luke 9:51


The Gospel message is such good news. In fact, it is better than good, it is amazing, incredible, horrific, joyful, miraculous, life changing news. It is actually indescribable news for the one who is redeemed by trusting in this news. The reason is, as the Apostle Paul says “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Roman 1:16) 

The Gospel message is simple truth and holds truth for all people, but amazing truth for those that believe it. God is eternal and the Creator of all things and therefore has authority over all things (Genesis 1-2). Mankind, created in His image, has rebelled against His good authority and because of that rebellion (Genesis 3) God is right and Just to punish us for all eternity for that rebellion. This is the truth for all people (Romans 3:23). Romans 3 also tells us that no one is good, not even one. 

But some of the most powerful and amazing truth in all of scripture is in Ephesians 2:4. BUT GOD being rich in mercy, because of the great love He has for us even when we were dead in our sin made us alive through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). And we receive this incredible favor, mercy, and grace, from God by turning from our sinful selfish ways and firmly clinging to the finished work of Jesus. 

The benefits of the Gospel are amazing. We first get mercy, meaning we don’t get what we deserve, which is eternal punishment because Jesus has taken it for us. And secondly, we get grace, meaning we get what we don’t deserve. We get all of the goodness of God eternally. 

How often do we ponder this? How often do we think of the great cost it was to Jesus? In Luke 9: 51, we see a powerful, yet subliminal picture of the certainty of Jesus to accomplish this tidal wave of mercy and grace. The text says He set His face to Go to Jerusalem. This describes His unshakable and unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem to be ridiculed, mocked, rejected, beaten, abandoned, tortured, and crucified, bearing God’s wrath against sin for me! And for you if you have trusted in Jesus. 

I don’t know about you but when I consider this, a flood of emotions consumes me. Emotions such as shame, humility, sadness, but also gratitude, joy, love, and peace. When Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem He went for me and you; knowing exactly what He would endure for me and for you. 

The Gospel is Good News because it not only sets me free from eternal punishment but it also directs my day when I consider it. It changes how I respond to my circumstances. It changes how I see and love others. It helps me to fight my sinful desires. It also gives me the opportunity to experience joy in the day that I, otherwise, would not see. All because Jesus set His face to go to Jerusalem. 

Thank you, King Jesus!

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