Purpose
Luke 18:31-32
Then he took the twelve aside and said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be handed over to the Gentiles; and he will be mocked and insulted and spat upon.”
If you are taking part in the Lent goal to read all of Luke, today read Luke 18.
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Amidst the exaltation of Palm Sunday, which you may have celebrated in church, today’s passage appears a few days earlier in the narrative, as Jesus and his disciples are preparing to travel to Jerusalem. It’s a poignant and powerful reminder that even when Jesus was welcomed by the cheering crowds, he never saw that as his purpose or welcomed it as a sign of success. Instead Jesus is unequivocal in explaining why he is going to Jerusalem and the fate that awaits him. All of his ministry – his teaching and his healing – have been leading unwaveringly to this destination. As we look to follow Jesus, let us also be inspired to live our lives with this sense of commitment. No matter how the world may cheer or applaud other choices, let us remain guided by the teaching and sacrifice of Jesus, who lived wholeheartedly to save us.
Faithful God, who relentlessly and determinedly seeks us out, encourage us through the example of Your single-minded love for each one of us to turn our hearts to You and stay true to Your word. Strengthen within us the purpose You have called us to: to share Your love with those around us and renew Your creation. Amen.
