We’re jumping back into our series in the Gospel of Luke today. In many ways, chapter nine forms of kind of hinge in the narrative. Up to this point, the key question has been: “Who is this Jesus?” Jesus has been ministering up in Galilee, and everyone is trying to figure out just who He is. Opinions are varied, but it all comes to a moment of clarity in Luke 9:20 when Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah come from God.
In response to Peter’s confession, Jesus discloses that His kingship as Messiah will look differently than His disciples might expect. Jesus’ path to the crown will run through the cross. There is suffering first before the glory that will follow. Jesus is preparing His disciples for the hardships looming on the horizon.
In Luke 9:51 we read, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” From this point on, Jesus is headed inexorably toward Jerusalem and to the crucifixion that awaits Him there. He is on the road to suffering, and His disciples must follow Him where He leads. For in Jesus, glory comes through suffering. And being with Him is better than everything it might cost.
So let’s follow on the road with Jesus, for we are loved, more than we know!
