The days were being fulfilled for Jesus’ ascension. That is, the time was drawing near for Jesus to return to the Father in heaven, the climax of his God-given mission in the first century.
Before his ascension, it was necessary for Jesus to go to Jerusalem, to suffer many things and be rejected by the religious leaders, to be killed, and to be resurrected on the third day. Then, he would ascend back to heaven.
Luke tells us that Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem. In other words, he was determined to go there and fulfill his mission. It took determination to carry out his mission because Jesus faced opposition.
First, Jesus faced spiritual opposition. The devil tempted him to choose an easier path to success than the one chosen for him by God. Jesus rejected the devil’s advice.
Second, Jesus faced opposition from his own followers. When Jesus first spoke about his mission to be God’s promised Suffering Servant, Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. Jesus forcefully responded to Peter, telling the former fisherman that he was mistaken to try and change Jesus’ mind.
Two other disciples, James and John, wanted to call down fire and destroy a Samaritan village because they would not receive Jesus. Jesus rebuked his disciples for their suggestion. He refused to be distracted from his mission by personal insults and power struggles.
Third, Jesus struggled with his own humanity. As his suffering at Calvary loomed ever closer, Jesus prayed in anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking God to change his mission. But prayer strengthened Jesus and gave him the resolve to carry on and fulfill his calling.
Jesus was determined to do God’s work God’s way, despite the sacrifice. When he completed his God-given mission, Jesus enjoyed a great victory, a victory he wants to share with us.
In 2026, we will need determination to carry out our God-given mission. We will face spiritual opposition. We will face opposition and distraction from our own desires. We may even face opposition from fellow Christians.
Like Jesus, we can set our face to do God’s work God’s way, despite the sacrifice. We can be determined to avoid fighting the wrong battles the wrong way, despite the temptation.
Like Jesus, we can find confidence through prayer and experience the inspiration and empowering of God’s Holy Spirit. And, like Jesus, we can be sure to share in a great eternal victory, one that brings glory to God and blessings to many.
May the Lord give us determination to fulfill our gospel mission and share his great victory,
Brother Richard
brotherrichardsblog.com 