Face Toward Jerusalem • 05.31.26
Face Toward Jerusalem
Luke 9:46-62
Correcting the disciples’ misunderstandings on the way to the cross
- Jesus defines greatness
- Jesus delays judgment
- Jesus demands allegiance
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Good morning church family! My name is Jack Flaherty, one of the pastors here at Harvest, and I am honored and excited to open up God’s Word with you all. Before we dive in, I would like to dismiss 4th-5th graders for Harvest Kids. The rest of us, lets open our Bibles to Luke 9. If you need a Bible, the ushers would love to get you one. It will be a blessing to you if you follow along with eyes on the text. We are going to pick up where we left off in Luke 9:46-62.
Last week we looked at the reality of suffering and glory that Jesus and his followers must be willing to face. What we will see this week is a key turning point in Luke’s gospel that builds on this suffering and glory reality. Look with me at Luke 9:51-53. Set his face is literally strengthen or fixed in v51. This purpose has been determined from eternity past. And in v53 his face is going to Jerusalem, the city in which his journey will end in. Not that the cross hasn’t come up before, but there is a shift. These previous chs show Jesus’ awareness of his ID and the following chs show his awareness of his mission. Jerusalem is the place where suffering and glory meet; where Jesus will die for sin, be buried for three days, rise from that grave, and then ascend to Heaven–where he remains until he returns to establish his kingdom not just in the hearts of men and in their churches which serve as outposts for the kingdom, but in the New Heavens and New Earth.
This largest section of Luke known as the travel narrative runs from 9:51 until 19:28. The way Luke writes may seem meandering but is extremely orderly and reflects what Jesus was doing. Jesus is heading somewhere and that destination reorders everything around Him. On the way to the cross Jesus takes every opportunity to shape his disciples–those who would be known as followers of The Way in early church days because they went the way of Jesus. The way of Jesus is not the natural way of mankind. We see that especially in Luke’s usage of BUT JESUS. Though smoothed out in the ESV you can see the pattern. Luke 9:47 disciples seek greatness BUT JESUS. V50 John wants to exclude BUT JESUS. v55 James and John wanna call down judgment BUT HE (JESUS). In v58, 60, 62 (NASB nuances a bit better) folks wanna follow BUT JESUS responds.
In each part of each pericope the disciples got ideas about the journey to Jerusalem, but Jesus corrects them. So today we are seeing how Jesus is Correcting the disciples’ misunderstandings on the way to the cross. There are many misunderstandings the disciples have. As equally fallen and easily confused human beings we are no different today in needing some misunderstandings corrected. So as we behold the one whose face is toward Jerusalem, let’s see what needs addressed in our own thoughts, actions, and affections.
The first correction shows up in Luke 9:46-50. What correction do we see here?
- Jesus defines greatness
These two different scenarios drive the same point home as they are intentionally connected. Jesus addresses disciples about their desire for greatness and right after that in v49 “John answers/replies” like this is the same conversation. And to both situations Jesus demonstrates how they fall under the same problem—pride! Jesus isn’t just redefining greatness but reveals what greatness always has been in the kingdom of God–humility. Jesus is reshaping their ego and showing that as a part of kingdom work we first need restoration in our hearts.
Looking at this first encounter in v46-48 its interesting to think about what this might have looked like. I mean, it’s one thing to want to be the greatest but it’s a-whole-nother thing to actually get in an argument about it. Like Muhammad Ali they don’t just want to think it, but they will declare it and fight over it. As Jesus insinuates, this stems from internal calculation. The disciples are keeping a mental scorecard of their spiritual resumes in comparison to each other.
Jesus knowing their hearts is a nod from Luke indicating the divinity in Jesus and the immaturity in disciples. Childlike, so enter a child. In this culture children had zero social status, legal rights, and little value. They were seen as weak, unimportant, and completely dependent. It was so bad they often left children exposed—their version of abortion. But Jesus says, this little lowly dependent image bearer, receive him and that is evidence that you really know me. And if you really know me, that’s evidence you really know God. The one who will lay themselves the lowest is actually the greatest. In the Kingdom of God, greatness is not achieved by climbing over others to gain status, but by descending to welcome and serve those whom society deems valueless. Who did that? Jesus! Jesus was saying be like me in regarding the small, weak, and dependent.
We look over the lowly as we puff ourselves often. This comparison game wasn’t unique to the disciples. Comparing possessions, families, victories. In fact in many places, including the church, we reward production “greatness” to the point we cause internal flare up as we see here or we flame out trying to outdo others. We are over doing this when we find ourselves in “seasons” that don’t end….because seasons do have endings. Never ending, doing too much, and denying your limits to try to beat others will accelerate a downfall.
Jesus in his kindness exposes it here. Again, he knows the reasoning of their hearts so he gives an object lesson as direct refutation of their thinking. “Whoever receives” is not a means for works-based righteousness. We don’t start comparing “well I am more about helping the lowly than you are!” That misses the point! The idea is that we understand Jesus not as looking down his nose at us but as one who stooped low to love. And not doing acts of mercy for merit but because of his true selflessness as a suffering servant. Disciples are to follow his humble attitude. God accepts the lowly. Our accepting of the lowly evidences that we get our own lowly estate and brings fellowship with Father and Son.
Not only does wrong view of greatness mess up relationships with those in our own tribes but also causes us to misunderstand those outside of our own tribes. Looking at v49-50 John speaks for the group saying they tried to stop someone from casting out demons because “he is not one of us.” The emphasis is “with us.” Not an insider but outsider. This guy is not acting as sons of Sceva later will in Acts 19, but in good faith! He isn’t pirating name of Jesus, but rightly working in faith to the glory of God. This is what disciples missed as their casting out demons veered towards trying to glorify themselves, but glory goes to God not the exorcist. Thus Jesus corrects them: “For the one who is not against you is for you.” You’re part of the same kingdom! True disciples care more about God’s glory than about who gets the credit or which “team” wins.
This “he does not follow with “us” mindset is one we need to guard against! I forget who to attribute this, but a pastor once asked another pastor if he would pray for revival? “Of course!” Followed up question “Would you be ok with revival coming to the church down the street or even every other church in town?” Don’t get me wrong, we want to see God move here but let’s not think this is the only place God is at work! The same pride seeking precedence in-group leads to trying to ensure outsiders are at bay and unempowered. Let’s not do the same!
Who is our real enemy?! Eph 6 tells us we don’t fight flesh and blood but spiritual enemies. Yet I know at least I am guilty us sliding into us vs. them. This happens in many different breakdowns, namely those who are a bit different flavor of Christianity. It’s the worst out there in the “Christian internet” world. Truth and falsehood matter. And there are denominations for a reason. Some differences hinder function of the church. But if we have clarity on core doctrines then don’t sink into smaller teams and doubt God is at work elsewhere in the world. Those not against you are FOR you. We ought to work together alongside other believers and not be tribal! This will take some wisdom, but the heart posture is what Jesus is after here. Are you widening your definition of who is FOR you or are you trying to be great by beating and being better than others? What might it look like for you this week to live out “whoever is not against you is for you” this week?
Jesus promises greatness but not self-exalting, status competing, exclusionary greatness. On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus corrects the disciples view of greatness. True greatness isn’t self-exalting ambition but laying down one’s life for the sake of others! It wishes not to elevate self-compared to others but humbly applauds others even not with us and serves others for the sake of seeing them come to know Jesus. Even apparent enemies of God are still flesh and not spiritual enemies. So we fight not against them but for their inclusion through faith and repentance. Which bring us to Luke 9:51-56. The next misunderstanding that Jesus corrects on the way to Jerusalem is…
- Jesus delays judgment
This is quite the interaction. But let’s not forget that right here is where Jesus acknowledges the day is near for him to be taken up. This may mean up on the cross, but more likely his ascension which I think is fascinating. He is thinking about his exodus. The return to glory where he goes to prepare a place for all his followers. Yes, suffering but also glory. For this Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem. This is an idiom deeply rooted in Isaiah 50:7 “Therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame” Literally “He set/fixed/strengthened His face.” It indicates unwavering, rock-solid determination toward sacrificial suffering.
This is crucial as we consider the context he is about to step into. Jesus chooses to go through Samaria. The animosity between Jews and Samaritans was deeply entrenched. Some of this was how the land was intermingled during the exile. Also Samaritans rejected anything after Deuteronomy so temples in Jerusalem were a no go. There were competing spots for worship. This shows up in John 4 with Samaritan woman at the well and Jesus says it’s not about worshipping God on this mountain in Samaria nor about the mountain in Jerusalem it’s about being a true worshipper who worships in (can you help me fill in the blank?) ______ and ______.
All that to say, the tension is thick. And an honor shame culture does not allow for such unwarranted disrespect. These people don’t want a Jewish rabbi heading to worship in Jerusalem to have any hospitality and the disciples don’t want their leader to be snubbed. So James and John think they are acting righteously. You may have a footnote in your Bible in v54 that there are some variants mention Elijah. If not original the overtones are there as Elijah twice called down fire against messengers from the Samaritan King who disrespect God’s prophet in 2 Kings 1. But disciples misunderstand the spirit of Christ’s mission. Again look at the heart. Disciples wanted to rebuke themselves instead of asking Jesus. But Jesus rebukes them and models turning the other cheek. It’s not that judgment is gone from the picture, but it is delayed!
WE do this too. We get slighted and want it made right NOW. Where are we too quick to prove that we’ve been wronged? Over what do we get defensive because we HAVE to be right, even if it’s true we are? Not do only forget the truth of James 1:19-20 “19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God but also we miss the chance to respond like Christ. On his way to the cross he shows the disciples their job is not judgment. We can keep our mouths shut and entrust ourselves to God’s perfectly just judgment like 1 Peter 2:19-24 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. In context this is showing how gracious a thing it is to endure sorrow in suffering unjustly because we have been called to this in follow Christ who did the same and left us this example by being wounded so we might be healed! Judgment raining down on those who mocked Christ was delayed so that mercy would flow from his wounds.
There are many issues is the world we want made right: global conflict, politics, neighborly issues, family folly. Its right to call out injustice that needs dealt with! BUT just judgment is not ours to call down. In fact as we just read in 1 Pt 2 there is a just Judge coming when he brings judgment it will be a great and terrible day! So don’t wish for destruction but wish for mercy! That’s the heart of God. In 2 Peter 3:8-9 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. In fact, there is a text variant in v55 that though likely not original captures this reality that Jesus “didn’t come to destroy lives but to save them. Don’t be of the spirit of vengeance but have a heart like our Saviors’ which wishes for all to reach repentance. So we don’t call judgment down because God brings it.
We cannot advance a gospel of grace using weapons of retaliatory wrath. HOWEVER, that does not mean the gospel message is void of warning of judgment. We see in Luke 10 the disciples preach a warning of judgment. Even if we don’t call it down we do call it out! Especially as we enter June you will hear “Don’t judge. Just love and welcome!” OR “See Jesus only confronts the religious people because they are always too harsh.” Maybe even sight this passage. But truth is God equally warns the legalists and judgmental as he does the lawless and joy in things of the world. So we too warn but let God judge. Jesus did not come to destroy His enemies with fire, but to let the fire of God’s judgment fall upon Himself on the cross. And then he lit a fire under his believers to go and share this great message of turning from judgment and towards Jesus.
That’s actually what happened in Samaria. We see later in Luke’s writing in Acts 8 this land of Samaria has some of the first converts to Christ as the gospel spreads to the ends of the earth. How incredible that the One whom they didn’t let through to Jerusalem, is the one who would die for them at Jerusalem and then send his disciples from Jerusalem back to them to proclaim the message of salvation! Kingdom spreads not by emotional impulse, but by patient teaching and living even in a hostile world. Only the cross could help correct such misunderstandings!
Are you sharing this message OR wishing for God to wipe people out? As summer approaches invite people over. Be faithful for your 5-3-1 cards. Maybe even us events like World Cup to get people from different places together and share Christ! This might mean rejection. But what might it look like to open your doors for such rejection? Jesus knew it was coming yet still has the interaction to demonstrate his heart. Do you have opportunities to do that even if you for all human reasons can expect rejection? Let’s be faithful to follow our cross bound Savior and take up our cross to follow him. History tells us the disciples had this misunderstanding of instant judgment and revenge corrected and as such went out in love to warn of future judgment which may be wiped out by a very present mercy and grace offered by Jesus. Though they faced opposition they kept following onto another village. And after Jesus was taken up, they continued going village to village until they lost their own lives for the sake of this message.
This is quite the commitment to share this message knowing judgment isn’t in our hands. Total justice won’t be seen in our lifetimes. This is a difficult reality that takes full time commitment. Yet many of Christ’s followers then and now still think following Jesus is part time. Leaving through Samaria and still on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus sought to set the record straight. Lets read Luke 9:57-62. The final correction on the way to Jerusalem is…
- Jesus demands allegiance
Here we see three encounters all of which showcase the danger of conditional following of Jesus.
First, in v57-58 we have an eager follower. He promises to follow Jesus anywhere, which seems like a good thing. Jesus counters with the reality of homelessness. A couple of things here. First, there is a possible political tinge here. Foxes are those who maneuver to be in power and Jesus calls Herod a fox later in this. Birds of air are Roman overlords who have wide stretching power. He is warning that political victory is not where he is going. Second, regardless of political overtones we ought to recognize where truly is Jesus’ home? Like v51 said the place he will be taken up to, Heaven! So if we are really following him than we too are on the way home, because our home is not of this world. Countless passages speak to this both as a hopefully motivation for the good to come and a reminder to count the cost of getting there. Following Jesus means prioritizing the Kingdom over physical comfort and earthly security. Not just profession but actually following and serving. Jesus isn’t just taking volunteers without counting the cost. Not hypotheticals but as members of THE WAY. Jesus doesn’t offer anything to those seeking material blessing and security. His followers be ready to be disinherited of casting your lot with him, join the ranks of dispossessed and be prepared to serve God under those conditions. Comfort is replaced by commitment.
Second in v59-60 we have a hesitant follower. Jesus commands him to “Follow me,” but the man asks to first go and bury his father. In Middle Eastern culture, this was a matter of honoring parents. Disobeying this duty could be seen as failing to do so. Jesus doesn’t want dishonoring of parents clearly BUT he also says he is first! This phrase also had connotations of staying home to care for an aging parent until they passed away—a delay of potentially years. At the very least burial process could take year and also hints he wanted that inheritance $$. The urgency of the Gospel supersedes even the most sacred cultural and family obligations. Also, Jesus is speaking a bit metaphorically that outside of the sphere of discipleship to Jesus there is only death. The spiritually dead can bury those who are physically dead. If the man postpones discipleship, he belongs to the living dead. Family or inheritance money only gets you so far. But we are called not to procrastinate but be willing to abandon ties. Security is replaced by surrender.
Finally in v61-62 we see the distracted follower. The man wants to say goodbye to his family. Jesus responds with the agricultural metaphor of plowing. There is nothing wrong with family and friends and doesn’t literally mean never say goodbye. Yet clearly this is halfhearted “I want to follow BUT.” If an farmer looked behind him while pulling a plow, the oxen would veer off course, causing the furrow to become crooked and ruining the crop. And the verb tense here might be better understood as “keeps looking back.” Kingdom discipleship requires undivided attention.
In all three of these accounts, we see following Jesus is not a hobby to fit into our spare time; it demands absolute priority and forward momentum. He wants our total allegiance! Maybe like Lot’s wife who looked back and turned to salt. Or maybe like Elijah and Elisha. But Elisha did ask to go say goodbye and was granted but he killed oxen he was farming with and had goodbye dinner without coming back. He left so not halfhearted. Like missionaries who burned the boat. or CT Studd who moved to the Congo and never left. Is there a danger of going to the extreme and forsaking biblical commands? maybe. But I think we are more often the excuse makers with halfhearted allegiance. We get more excited for America’s 250th birthday than remembering the resurrection every Sunday. We look up to human accomplishments before the ascended Jesus. Don’t have divided loyalty but be a wholehearted follower!
I wonder, like the first follower are there places you say you will follow Jesus to but aren’t actually going there? “Lord wherever you go….oh except that place!” I wonder, what things fit into our own personal “but first” categories? “Lord, I will follow you, but first let me finish my degree, secure my finances, gain approval from my peers…” I wonder, what things do we continue to look at that make Jesus the add on instead of the take over? “Oh yeah I’m working for Christ as my time is spent here, my treasure is spent here, and actually I’m not investing any talent needs of the body of Christ? Instead we should ask the questions the other way around. Instaed of putting Jesus on hold for something or someone else, ask what are you willing to put on hold for Jesus? Jesus didn’t just preach this radical commitment—He modeled it. He didn’t look back when He set His face toward Jerusalem, even though He knew the cross awaited Him. His undivided devotion to our salvation is what empowers our undivided devotion to His Kingdom.
In this text, Jesus moved from addressing their ego, to addressing their heart towards their “enemies”, to finally address their true allegiance to Him. As his face is towards Jerusalem, he shows this destination reorders life for those who follow and will correct their misconceptions as long the way. We look to a Savior who teaches us to seek humility over greatness, to show mercy rather than rush judgment leaving ultimate judgment to him, and to exhibit wholehearted allegiance rather than pursue an earthly understanding of comfort and security. He showed ultimately humility in welcoming weak and lowly mankind, and thus proved ultimately great. He showed and will show perfect mercy even as we trust he will also one day execute perfect and lasting just judgment. HE shows unwavering allegiance to the eternal plan of salvation and shows unwavering allegiance to his redeemed people, never diverting until he brings us to the New Jerusalem he has prepared for us to lay our heads eternally. Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem both to show us the way of the kingdom and to make a way for us to enter the kingdom with him one day. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus! Praise the Lord!
Pray