Determined And Devoted Series

DETERMINED AND DEVOTED 

Luke 9:51-62

Introduction

In our text we come to a major turning point in Luke’s Gospel. Beginning here and continuing for ten lengthy chapters - right up to the Triumphal Entry, Jesus is on the road. This section is called the “Travel Narrative” and it contains much material not found in the other gospels. 

Luke 9:51 is the statement that catches our attention today.

NIV As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

LSB Now it happened that when the days for Him to be taken up were soon to be fulfilled, He set His face to go to

Jerusalem

MSG When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the

journey to Jerusalem.

Here we see Jesus as he faced down the coming cross, knew what was ahead. He is determined to make this journey because he is devoted to his Father and the plan to rescue lost humanity. But he is not alone. He is accompanied by his disciples. He meets both those who reject him and those who want to follow him. As we follow him through this text, Jesus teaches us to be determined and devoted - two key elements of discipleship. Determined not to give up. Devoted to following the Father’s direction and will.

1. JESUS: DETERMINED AND DEVOTED (Luke 9:51-56)

As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village.

Determined despite the disciples failing their faith tests. Earlier this chapter they couldn’t heal the demoniac boy They argue about who is going to be the greatest. They forbid a disciple they do not know, who was driving out demons. They want to call down fire on a Samaritan village.

Determined despite opposition and bitterness from enemies. He sends disciples ahead into Samaritan territory (vs 52-53). James and John did not just make up this idea about sending fire down! In 1 Kings there were episodes of Elijah calling down fire. Earlier in this chapter was the account of the Transfiguration - James and John (and Peter) saw Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah. Still, they did not reflect the attitude Jesus wanted

them to have. He came to seek and save the lost, not seek and destroy! Barclay: When Jesus did this he was extending a hand of friendship to a people who were enemies. They did not respond well.

Determined despite what was ahead for him, the cross. Luke 9:22, 44 “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. …. Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men.” Though his disciples did not understand, he fully understood what was ahead for him. What looked like defeat to enemies wasn’t the final word. Jesus was sure of his coming death. He was equally sure that his death would not be the end of the story! Jesus went to Jerusalem as a conqueror, not a

defeated victim!

Determined because he was Devoted to the will of God. Jesus spoke frequently about his purpose to do the will

of the Father. 

-Luke 10:22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

-Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

2. Jesus Called Disciples to be both Determined and Devoted (Luke 9:57-62)

As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”