He Set His Face
Introduction:
Luke 9:51 – Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem. This meant something
totally different to Him than it did for the disciples. 9:46 – Disciples
had visions of greatness & power. Jesus had another view in mind: death. When
Jesus set His face, he set his face to die. His death was strictly voluntary. God
had it planned from before time – this was the appropriate time. Jesus
saw it was time & set His face to fulfill it. John 10:18; Isaiah 50:7
I.
Jesus’ journey is our own.
A.
Luke 9:52
1.
People would not
receive Him (9:53). Why?
B.
Then, the focus in the
narrative changes…
1.
9:54-56a
2.
Focus 9:54. Question
of James & John.
3.
9:55 – Jesus
rebukes.
4.
9:56 – simply go
on to next town.
C.
Why the rebuke in
9:55?
1.
Jesus did not come to
execute judgment and take up an earthly role.
2.
John 3:17 – did
not come to judge – but save.
D.
Jesus’ journey is our
journey.
1.
If He set His face to
die, so must we. Luke 9:23-24.
2.
When Jesus set His
face to walk the Calvary road, He was not merely taking our place, He was
setting our pattern. 1 Peter 2:21
II.
A perfect opportunity to drive home this lesson
A.
9:57-58
1.
Jesus wanted His
disciples to be like Him & to know the road of discipleship is costly.
B.
Do many Christians
today understand the seriousness of such a commitment?
1.
Serving the Lord will
cost us something.
C.
Too many seek to have
it both ways.
1.
Never-ending
temptation to compromise. Take a
short cut.
2.
Worldliness is always a
problem. Rooted in lives of too many.
a.
Immodest dress
b.
Attitudes toward money
& possessions
c.
Worldly friends who do
not share our values.
d.
Media consumption
(TV/movies/music).
D.
Jesus calls us to
decisiveness.
1.
9:62 –
wholehearted service.
2.
Don’t just dip your toe
in the water – God calls you to jump in.
Conclusion:
A.
Have you set your face
toward heaven?
1.
Will you?
2.
When you do, you will
not be alone. Jesus will be with
you all the way. He’s walked this path before.
B.
I N V I T A T I O N