As the time approached for him to be taken to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 (NIV)
As with many quotations, it’s difficult to determine who first said, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Here in Luke, we find Jesus facing his final journey into Jerusalem. The emphasis was on the time for him to return to heaven, but the cross was in the way.
We might struggle to get going when you and I face overwhelming obstacles. We must understand and focus on the ultimate objective rather than the challenges we will face. It reminds me of Winston Churchill’s famous quote: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Jesus looked beyond the cross to the joy he knew was before him. We must do the same in the things that confront us.
The Road to the Cross
It is Easter week, and we are familiar with the sequence of events: The Last Supper, the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, the trial and torture, the crucifixion, and ultimately, the Resurrection. However, the journey began earlier than this sequence of events.
It could be said that the journey to the cross began before the earth was created (Revelation 13:8), but at this moment, the focus intensified. Jesus, undoubtedly, began to feel the weight of what was before him, and there would be increasing isolation because, at this point, his followers could not grasp what was to come.
The word “resolutely” means “to set one’s face.” This observation fulfilled the words of Isaiah: “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame” Isaiah 50:7 (NIV).
From the beginning of his life, Jesus had journeyed to Jerusalem many times. It began with his dedication and the prophetic words spoken over him by Simeon and Anna. Also, when he was 12 years old, he stayed behind and was found in the Temple, sitting among the teachers and asking them questions. But this trip to Jerusalem would be unlike any other.
Steadfast Determination
Many people go through life without ever having a set purpose or determination. They have a laissez-faire attitude that reveals aimlessness or even fatalism, but Jesus knew who he was and the purpose of his incarnation. He was: “…the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (NIV)
Do not misunderstand. Even though Jesus knew who he was and his purpose here on earth, he still had to overcome the temptations and the weaknesses inherent in human frailty to complete the mission. After the triumphal entry on Palm Sunday, John’s Gospel gives us insight into the struggle within Jesus:
“Even though I am torn within, and my soul is in turmoil, I will not ask the Father to rescue me from this hour of trial. For I have come to fulfill my purpose—to offer myself to God. So, Father, bring glory to your name!” Then suddenly a booming voice was heard from the sky, “I have glorified my name! And I will glorify it through you again!” John 12:27–28 (TPT)
Again, days later, in the garden of Gethsemane, the conflict within continues: ‘Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”’ Matthew 26:38–39 (NIV)
Never Give Up
Jesus could have given up. He could have decided that we were simply not worth the suffering and pain, but he was determined to go all the way to the cross. At this time of year, we contemplate what Jesus endured on the cross, but his steadfast determination to go to the cross made it possible.
Let us briefly look at some of the obstacles Jesus had to overcome on his way to the cross.
- His closest followers had their eyes on power and authority and were vying for positions. (Luke 22:24-27, Matthew 20:20-21).
- There was the praise and hero worship of the crowds wanting to inaugurate him as king. (Luke 19:36-38). They were looking for the re-establishment of an earthly kingdom.
- There was constant opposition from “religious leaders.” They wanted to destroy Jesus. They taunted him and worked to discredit him, claiming that he “cast out demons by the power of Satan.” They were always looking to entrap him.
- The people were unaware of their need. (Luke 19:41-42). Jesus made the greatest sacrifice conceivable, but most people were oblivious to their need for a Savior. It can be discouraging not to be appreciated.
- Finally, he was betrayed and abandoned by his closest friends. First, there was the betrayal of Judas, and then Peter denied even knowing Jesus, and at the foot of the cross, only John, among the disciples, was to be found.
We Were the Joy Set before Him
Do not take what Jesus accomplished on our behalf for granted. To use a contemporary expression: “The struggle is real!”
Jesus looked beyond the agony and torment of the cross to the “joy which was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). What Jesus accomplished on the cross is our example and inspiration. We do not have to bear the cross that Jesus bore, but he calls us to take up our own cross and follow him. The writer of Hebrews goes on to say: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” Hebrews 12:3 (NIV).
The determination and steadfast obedience to the father enabled Jesus Christ to go all the way to the cross for us. We must draw inspiration from his example and be an example to others: “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” Ephesians 5:1–2 (NLT).
Steve Ekeroth
Photo by Suliman Sallehi: