Shortcuts Crushed by Determination (Luke 13:31-35)

Last week at the start of our “Crushed” series, we talked about temptation. This week we see what is at the center of every temptation: promise of a shortcut to glory. Even in a world as sharply divided as ours, there is near universal agreement that the preferred path to glory is the shortest and easiest. To walk the path our Savior puts us on, one on which the cross comes before the crown, puts us out of step with the world. Thankfully, the determination required to walk this path starts with our Savior and not with us. Because of his determination, we are offered a glory far superior to anything the world can offer. "The Lord saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).