The verse in Luke 9:51 states, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” This verse marks a critical turning point in Jesus’ ministry, where he begins his final journey to Jerusalem knowing the suffering and death that await him there. But why did Jesus intentionally and resolutely set out for Jerusalem, despite knowing the pain and agony he would face? Here are some key reasons:
To Fulfill His Divine Mission
Jesus understood that going to Jerusalem was necessary to fulfill God’s plan of salvation for humanity (Luke 9:22, 44-45). Although Jesus was fully God, he willingly restricted his divine attributes to take on human flesh, in order to serve as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for sins. His death would bring redemption and restoration between God and mankind (Mark 10:45). Jerusalem was the place prophesied where the Messiah would suffer and die as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:1-12). By courageously setting his face towards Jerusalem, Jesus demonstrated his commitment to finish the very purpose for which he came – to give his life as a ransom for many.
To Usher in the New Covenant
Jesus understood that his sacrificial death would establish the new covenant prophesied by Jeremiah (Luke 22:20). Under this new covenant, the penalty of sin would be paid once and for all by Christ’s blood, abolishing the need for continual animal sacrifices. His death and resurrection would render the old law obsolete, instituting a new covenant of grace by faith in him. Jesus knew that by going to Jerusalem he would spiritually fulfill and complete the old covenant, ushering in a new and better covenant open to all people, cementing his role as the Messiah.
To Destroy the Works of the Devil
By courageously marching towards his death in Jerusalem, Jesus demonstrated his intention to break the power of Satan and destroy his works (1 John 3:8). Although Satan would strike his heel by orchestrating his death, Jesus knew that by willingly sacrificing himself as an atoning offering, he would decisively crush Satan’s headship and defeat sin and death itself (Genesis 3:15, Romans 6:9-10). His obedient path to Jerusalem paved the way for the establishment of his eternal Kingdom, which would overcome evil.
To Demonstrate His Obedience and Submission to the Father
As the beloved Son of God, Jesus lived in perfect obedience to the will of His Father (John 6:38). Although he agonized over his coming suffering and death (Luke 22:39-46), Jesus ultimately submitted Himself to God’s divine plan out of love and humility (Philippians 2:8). He understood that the Father’s will could only be fulfilled if he resolutely set himself to go to the cross. Jesus’ unwavering commitment to travel to Jerusalem, regardless of personal cost, powerfully demonstrated his trust in and alignment with the Father’s perfect will.
To Serve as an Example for His Followers
Jesus knew that all who wished to follow Him must also deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). His bold, unwavering journey to Jerusalem provided an illustrative model of courage, perseverance and humility for his disciples and future believers to emulate. Jesus understood that the path of following Him would be marked by hardship and sacrifice. But by keeping his eyes fixed on the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), Jesus left behind an example of how to courageously serve God and accomplish His will despite the pain and cost involved.
To Spark a Confrontation
Jesus understood that his arrival in Jerusalem would create an environment ripe for confrontation with the Jewish religious leaders who opposed his teachings and sought to kill him (John 11:53). Although he sought to avoid premature conflict (John 7:1, 10:39), Jesus knew he must eventually openly confront the darkness and hypocrisy of the religious establishment. By traveling to their stronghold in Jerusalem, at the height of religious activity, Jesus sparked a confrontation that exposed the wickedness of the religious leaders and brought his redemptive mission to completion.
To Be Accessible to People
As Jesus set his face towards Jerusalem, he passed through towns and villages along the way, continuing to teach and minister to the people (Luke 13:22). Jesus understood that Jerusalem, as the religious and cultural center of Judaism, would provide the largest possible public platform for his message during the final phase of his earthly ministry. His strategic journey to Jerusalem allowed him to be accessible to huge crowds of pilgrims visiting the city and maximize his public proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
To Publicly Present Himself as Messiah and King
By traveling to Jerusalem on the eve of Passover, Jesus strategically chose the ideal time and location to overtly present himself as Israel’s Messiah and the rightful King (Luke 19:28-40). Although he had avoided such claims earlier in his ministry, Jesus used his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to boldly declare his identity and mission as the prophesied Messianic King. His actions left no doubt in the minds of all who witnessed his spectacular entry to the city.
To Force His Betrayal and Crucifixion
Jesus understood that his enemies would only be satisfied with his death (John 11:53). By making his whereabouts and activities known publicly in Jerusalem, Jesus forced their hand to kill him quickly before even more people believed in him. His actions escalated their hatred and fear, driving them to pay Judas to betray him. Everything transpired according to God’s timing and sovereignty (Acts 2:23). Jesus allowed himself to be betrayed and crucified when Passover pilgrims filled the city, maximizing the public witness of his sacrificial death.
To Fulfill Messianic Prophecy
Several messianic prophecies specified that the Messiah must come to Jerusalem (Zechariah 9:9, Malachi 3:1). Jesus understood that the Scriptures must be fulfilled in every detail concerning him as the promised Messiah (Luke 24:44). By purposely traveling to Jerusalem, he fulfilled prophecies that required the Messiah to enter Jerusalem as King. Even his mode of transportation on a donkey deliberately fulfilled the messianic prophecy recorded in Zechariah 9:9.
To Finish His Course Successfully
When faced with the prospect of death in Jerusalem, Jesus declared, “I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!” (Luke 12:50). Jesus viewed his suffering and death as his final “baptism” of overwhelming sorrow. But he understood this baptism of blood was necessary to fully accomplish the work the Father gave him to do (John 17:4). With unwavering resolve, Jesus set himself to go to Jerusalem in order to successfully finish his messianic course.
He Could Not Be Dissuaded
Knowing that Jesus was headed towards death, his disciples tried to convince him not to go to Jerusalem (Matthew 16:21-23). But Jesus rebuked Peter’s attempt to redirect him, saying “Get behind me, Satan!” He would not allow even his closest followers to dissuade him from his divine appointment with the cross. Jesus’ resolute commitment to travel to Jerusalem, despite his disciples’ protests, reveals his unwavering dedication to follow through with God’s plan no matter what.
In summary, Jesus intentionally and courageously set himself to go to Jerusalem because he understood God’s divine plan and timeline. He fully submitted himself to accomplish the Father’s will, regardless of the immense suffering, rejection and death that awaited him there. By boldly traveling to Jerusalem, Jesus modeled obedience and brought redemptive history to its critical climax. His unwavering journey to the cross purchased our salvation and stands today as the ultimate example of self-sacrifice, commitment and humble courage.