The Journey to Jerusalem

This sermon describes Christ’s journey to Jerusalem. He journeyed to the cross with joy, not for death, but for the glory that would follow. He set out resolutely, not afraid of what He would face. Christ’s disciples also journeyed with Him, but they went with the spirit of pride, wrath, vengeance, and self-preservation. Christ went with the desire to be poured out for others, and with humility, forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and love. As you are being called into ministries, be sure you do it in a spirit like Christ’s—looking to save others. As the disciples and Jesus continued on their journey, they met others who were not willing to go down to Jerusalem, representing two temptations that people face when presented with the Gospel. The first was a religious man who was hoping that following the Lord would give him worldly advantage, wealth, and security. But Christ calls His followers to a life of faith and dependence upon the provision of God. Don’t let the things of this world and the thoughts of provision and your future consume you. These thoughts will only get in the way of being used by God. Although God does call us to provide for what we need, we are not to be consumed with the things that we want. The second man Jesus came across was one who desired control over his life, and put the desires for other things before Christ. He was looking for a guarantee of his future and did not want to wait for God’s provision, but he ended up missing the promise of God’s control and His faithfulness. Set your face steadfastly to go up to Jerusalem and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life because the call of Christ is deeply personal and individualized. Click here to listen: The Journey to Jerusalem