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

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Now when the days drew near for him to be taken up, Jesus set out resolutely to go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51, NET

Whatever internal struggle Jesus may have felt, his steps never faltered on the road to Jerusalem. His mind was made up. Knowing exactly what lay ahead, he pressed forward with unwavering resolve—for the joy set before him, he would endure the cross (Hebrews 12:2).

Yet, remarkably, Jesus continued to remain fully present in each moment. Amid his determined march toward Jerusalem, life and ministry continued as normal. He addressed the disciples' petty arguments about greatness by placing a child in their midst—a living lesson in humility. When James and John sought to rain down the fire of divine judgment on a Samaritan village, Jesus rebuked their vengeful spirit. People approached him with promises of faithful following, but he saw through the shallow depth of their commitment. All the while, with each step toward Jerusalem, Jesus continued healing, teaching, and revealing the Father's heart.

At some point on this journey, somewhere along the border of Samaria and Galilee, ten lepers called out to Jesus for mercy. He instructed them to show themselves to the priests, and as they went, they were cleansed. Only one returned—a Samaritan—to thank Jesus for what he had done. “Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Jesus asked.

After the upcoming events in Jerusalem, to which Jesus resolutely walked, many more foreigners would join the Samaritan in bringing praise to God. This was the joy set before him, which enabled him to endure the cross. Some would respond with gratitude and praise; others would choose to walk away. Yet Jesus’s resolve never wavered.

Reflection

Put yourself in the shoes of James and John:

• What do you feel when a Samaritan village refuses to welcome your Master?
• What are you thinking and feeling when Jesus rebukes you for your request to call down fire?
• What is the impact of witnessing the Samaritan leper return to thank Jesus for healing him?

Most Jews held deep prejudices against Samaritans (see John 4:9). Is there a particular person or people group that you (or your church community) hold prejudices against, however great or small? If no one comes to mind, reflect on this: What feelings arise when you think about people who strongly oppose your political views or advocate for policies that conflict with your deeply held beliefs?

In your mind’s eye, intentionally bring this person/people group into the presence of Jesus. What are you feeling? Is Jesus saying anything to you or to them?