Jesus’ Life: Chapter 10 – Jesus’ Last Journey To Jerusalem
When the time approached for Jesus’ crucifixion and death, He started to plan His long journey to Jerusalem; it was in Jerusalem that it would happen and He was not going to avoid His Father’s will. Instead, He “set out resolutely to go to Jerusalem”.
At an early stage of the journey, Jesus sent messengers ahead of him to prepare for his arrival at a Samaritan village; it was often his usual practice. However, the people refused to welcome Him. Perhaps they wanted Him to stay and celebrate the forthcoming Feast of Tabernacles and Feast of Dedication of the Temple with them or there was some other prejudice involved.
When the disciples James and John heard of the villager’s refusal, they were incensed and asked Jesus, whom they dearly loved, “Lord, do you want us to call fire to come down from heaven and consume them?”
Jesus immediately rebuked them. (Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 19:1-2, Mark 10:1)
Thought
Nothing was going to stop Jesus from doing his Father’s will; onward to Jerusalem, He would go.
How determined am I to do God’s will?
Reflection
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the journey you have planned for me and grant me the zeal to finish my mission.
Prayer: Breastplate (St Patrick)
I bind unto myself today,
the power of God to hold and lead,
his eye to watch, his might to stay,
his ear to hearken to my need:
the wisdom of my God to teach,
his hand to guide, his shield to ward;
the word of God to give me speech,
his heavenly host to be my guard.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort me and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
