For the Joy Set Before Him: Jesus's Final Journey to Jerusalemਨਮੂਨਾ

Pit Stop in Jericho

But the twelve understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what Jesus meant. Luke 18:34, NET

As Jesus approached Jericho, about 18 miles northeast of Jerusalem, he spoke for the third time about what must soon take place. This time, the details were even more precise: He would be delivered over to the Gentiles. He would be mocked, insulted and spat upon. He would be flogged and killed. Then on the third day he would rise again.

But the disciples, despite walking with Jesus all this time, and hearing this prediction several times, still could not comprehend his meaning.

Jesus seems to have planned to quickly pass through Jericho, but his stay was extended by two men who would not let him just pass by—each faced a different barrier, but each refused to be deterred.

The first was a blind beggar who called out repeatedly, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Though the crowd tried to silence him, he only shouted louder. When Jesus asked him directly, "What do you want me to do for you?" the man replied simply, "Lord, I want to see." Jesus granted his request, declaring that the man's faith had saved him.

The second was Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector too short to see over the heavy crowd. But he was determined to see Jesus, so he climbed a sycamore tree, like a child might. Jesus stopped beneath the tree, looked up, and spoke directly to him: "Zacchaeus, come down! I must stay at your house today." While the crowd grumbled about Jesus eating with such a sinner, Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus transformed him. And Jesus declared: salvation had come to this son of Abraham.

Two different men with similar stories of persistence resulting in a transformation. While the disciples struggled to understand what was plainly spoken to them.

Reflection

Put yourself in the shoes of the blind beggar and/or Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector:

• What made you persist in seeking Jesus, despite the obstacles you faced?
• How did it feel when Jesus stopped, saw you, and spoke directly to you?
• After this transformative encounter, what will you do next?

Consider your own journey: When have obstacles prevented you from seeing Jesus clearly? What enabled you to persist through those times? How did Jesus meet you in those moments?

What obstacles in your life currently stand between you and Jesus? What support or strength do you need to keep seeking him?