Family Group Night | March 26, 2023
THE UNSHAKEABLE JESUS
Read it
Luke 9:51
"Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem….”
Discover It
The time for Jesus to be received up was near. He would be arrested, interrogated, beaten, and hung on a cross – all to pay for our sins. He would lie dead and buried in a borrowed tomb. And then, he would rise triumphantly from the grave in victory over sin, death, and hell. Finally, as the disciples looked on, Jesus would ascend up into heaven before their very eyes. And on this day, it was Jesus resolute intent to go to Jerusalem. Nothing could stop Him. Jerusalem was a dangerous place. It was a painful place. But it was God’s plan, and nothing would distract or delay Jesus from following God’s will for the world.
Ask It
1. In Luke 9:52 we learn that Jesus went through Samaria to go to Jerusalem. Although the shortest route to Jerusalem, the Samaritans were a hated and unclean group that the Jews avoided. So, what does it indicate that Jesus traveled through Samaria?
2. In Luke 9:53 we learn of a Samaritan village that did not receive Jesus. James and John wanted Jesus to call down fire from heaven and destroy this village. But Jesus simply rebuked them and went to the next town. What does this indicate about the character of our Lord?
Live It
1. REALIZE THE COST OF FOLLOWING JESUS - “As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go. Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.’” (Luke 9:57-58)
2. REALIZE THE PRIORITY OF FOLLOWING JESUS – “He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:59-60)
3. REALIZE THE URGENCY OF FOLLOWING JESUS – “Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’” (Luke 9:61-62)
Pray It
Dear Lord, thank you for your resolute determination to go to Jerusalem to fulfill God’s plan for our salvation. And now help me to be faithful to you. No matter what trials await me tomorrow, may I never forget the blessings you show me today. And may I always follow you, remembering your steadfast love and faithfulness for me in all things. In Jesus' Name, Amen.