As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
Luke 9 v 51 (NIV)
Resolutely : firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose.
Jesus knew what was coming.
Humanity’s rescue plan was in operation and the crucial moment was imminent. To fulfil his destiny Jesus would sacrifice everything. He would experience betrayal, loneliness, humiliation and pain beyond imagining. He would be separated from his heavenly Father and the dominion of darkness would have its way with him.
Jesus could have called a halt to this plan at any time. How many times must he have felt the power and possibility of that temptation ? Yet he was resolved to do his Father’s will.
As he knelt to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane he told his disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” He grappled in prayer three times, desperate not to be subjected to the horrors ahead, but each time resolving to be committed to the task ahead.
All so that you and I can be forgiven and free.
The cost of the cross wasn’t felt by Jesus only on Good Friday. He counted the cost long before that. He counted the cost and deemed us worthy of the sacrifice.
As we go through this Holy Week, let us look again at the price Jesus paid for us. Then let us worship him with renewed adoration and devotion.
