Disciples Follow Jesus' Path of Coming To and Embracing the Cross
Luke 9:51
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
It is interesting to note that Luke focuses on the upcoming ascension of Jesus as He heads towards Jerusalem.
There was still a ministry to complete, a death to die, and a resurrection to reveal.
This is a good reminder – for us – to see that the cross was not an end in itself. It never was. It was a means to an end. That end? An active and intimate relationship with God called life. "I have come", Jesus said, "that you may have life - to the full" (John 10:10).
John 14:31
Come now; let us leave.
Pondering Point
This short sentence seems rather basic, but read what happens prior (14:28-31):
John 14:28-31
28 “You heard me [Jesus] say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.
Jesus knows that He is due to face “the prince of this world,” Satan. He is going eyes wide open to a humiliation and death seemingly coordinated by human enemies, but really orchestrated by a greater enemy, the devil.
In preparation for this battle He goes into prayer and asks His disciples to come too. For ultimately it is God orchestrating His will of salvation for His people through Jesus.
Let’s not be afraid to go where Jesus invites, even if it seems daunting. For our prayer today we turn to the attitude of the disciple Thomas (John 11:16) and words of the hymn Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus, v. 3.
Prayer
Father God, with the outlook of Thomas we pray: Let us gladly die with Jesus.
Let us gladly die with Jesus.
Since by death He conquered death,
He will free us from destruction,
give to us immortal breath.
Let us mortify all passion
that would lead us into sin;
and the grave that shuts us in
shall but prove the gate to heaven.
Jesus here with You I die,
there to live with You on high.
Amen.
Almighty God, Your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow Him wherever he leads; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever Amen. (Collect for Proper 17, Series A)
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Sabbath is more than just a day; it's a way of being in the world. It's a spirit of restfulness that comes from abiding, from living in the Father's loving presence all week long.
J.M. Comer, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, p. 149