UP TO JERUSALEM

LUKE 18:31-42 UP TO JERUSALEM Since the time of the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ on the mountain where He talked with Moses and Elijah, Jerusalem was before Him. There on that mountain those three spoke together of His death "He was to accomplish." There was no question as to the fact it was going to happen. All that was going to result from that sacrifice has not been finished yet, because souls are still being saved. The glory that results from that accomplishment will be on display forever. From that time His face was steadfastly set to go to Jerusalem. Even though for several months the Lord led His disciples from place to place, the ultimate end of His journey was Jerusalem. The significance was not just in the city. It was there the prophetic scriptures were going to be fulfilled. From Adam and Eve on there were prophecies concerning the events that were going to happen at Jerusalem. He had told His disciples about them before, and again the Lord gives a concise account of what was going to happen.

We may not know every detail about prophesied events but in a general way we have been taught by the Holy Spirit in the scriptures. It is right that we should tell what the scriptures say. It is wrong when we add our perceived ideas to the written words. The Lord filled in the teaching of Psalm 16, 22, 69, Isaiah 53 and other portions of scripture by putting them all together in a simple concise phrase. When explaining the scriptures to those who do not read them or cannot grasp the truth presented, the Spirit of God assists and guides us to make these things understandable to others. The Lord Jesus made the important things clear. He was going to be delivered to the Gentiles. The rejection of Israel was going to be complete. The mockery, shameful treatment, the spitting, the scourging, the killing of the Savior by the Gentiles in no way took away the guilt of the Jews. Jews and Gentiles alike are responsible and guilty for the crucifixion of the innocent Son of Man.

The disciples did not grasp the reality of any of the things the Lord spoke about concerning His death and resurrection. Their interests were focused on what they thought would happen when they got to Jerusalem. They were looking for the restored kingdom of Israel. It is not uncommon for people to be blind to what they do not want to understand. There is a sense in which our own expectations override the reality of events that come. At this time there seemed to be another reason for their blindness to be allowed. Rising again on the third day would have seemed to them to be an impossibility. They would understand going to Jerusalem and being delivered to the Gentiles - but to kill Him who gave life to the dead (they had seen that happen) - and to rise from among the dead - this was more than they could conceive. Perhaps they were trying to grasp this as an illustration. By nature, we can understand events and things around us that are normal to our experience. By faith we have to grasp those things that are beyond what to us are natural events. We can understand death because we see it often. Resurrection from among the dead we have to accept by faith. This is why the prophetic scriptures are so helpful to us. When we read of the prophesy and then it is accomplished, our faith is affirmed. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." The Old Testament scriptures give us ample reason to believe God fulfills what He predicts.

The final journey through Jericho gives us a wonderful illustration of Gospel truth. The blind man knew his need and was not afraid to call out for mercy. The urgency of a person's need changes the results. If a person is willing to remain in the pitiful state of sin without seeking the Lord and calling upon Him while He is near, he will not find relief from his guilt and consequences of sin. When a person recognizes who Jesus is and calls upon Him from an anxious heart seeking mercy, the Lord hears and answers.

There was no question in the blind man's heart as to who Jesus was, and there was no question as to His ability to heal him. The call was to the Messiah and was made as one who is undeserving of any mercy. But the needy cry of one who knows his inability and admits to his need is not overlooked by the Lord Jesus. This was no half-hearted appeal. The loud shouts revealed the earnestness of the blind man. The very first word he said when he was brought to Jesus was, "Lord." "For this cause Christ both died, rose and revived, that He might be Lord."

There is no hesitation on the part of the Lord to bless those who seek Him with all their heart. Not only did the Lord give him sight, He saved his soul. The blessings of genuine faith go far beyond what was normal in life. When a person comes to Christ and is saved by God's grace, the blessings of faith in Him are available to us and we find living by faith far greater than our expectations could ever think of. So, the blind man who was healed and saved followed the Lord and glorified God.

The widow prayed earnestly and received justice. The publican needed mercy and was justified freely by His grace. The children were brought to Jesus and were gladly received. The rich young ruler wanted eternal life but missed it because something else filled his heart. The blind man needed sight and light and got both. God is ready and willing to supply every need and is waiting for the exercise of faith in Him to be real. He responds quickly, appropriately, understandably, graciously, mercifully and justly to the one who calls upon Him in genuine faith.

It was before Him from His birth, the work for which He was sent. Jerusalem was the place where He would accomplish what John meant When he identified the Lamb of God who would bear away the sin of the world. Lest every human who ever lived would into the pit be hurled.

The Lord set His face to go to Jerusalem knowing what would happen there. He knew beforehand that He would be treated in ways that are most unfair. But by the determined counsel of God He went and that city would never be the same. Like a microcosm of the whole world, both Jews and Gentiles are to blame.

He told them plainly but it was hidden, some things can only be accepted by faith. Who could conceive that from such a perversion of justice would come forth redeeming grace. The city stands again as a significant place because the Savior died. There also the miracle of His resurrection took place, in the future here He will abide.

It has been fought over and burned, rebuilt again and again and still it remains. The reason it fills such a place in our history is because of the blessings it claims. David lived there, then Solomon and the temple was built, God dwelt with His people there. That all happened long in the past, but with His people the rule of peace He will share.

To us it is just the name of a place in the world, but more than a name is at stake. There the Lord was publicly rejected, there full atonement for sin He did make. From there He met with His own in a room after He rose from the dead. It is there He will reign in wondrous glory over every nation and power - the Head.

"Father, I praise Thee that the humiliation of the Lord is over. I praise Thee for the glorious redemption He accomplished. I praise Thee for the promises that will be fulfilled in the future. May I bring some honor to my Lord today in word and/or deed. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."

What he did… Sought to see Jesus [v.3-4]; unsatisfied life. Ran before [v.4]. Undeterred by others. Climbed up [v.4]. Unable to see. Made haste [v.6]. Unhesitating obedience. Came down [v.6]. Unafraid of the consequences. Received Christ joyfully [v.6]. Unashamed faith. Generous to the poor [v.8]. Unquestioned responsibility. His restitution [v.8]. Undeniable evidence.