Friday, April 15, 2005

Luke-Don't let him pass you by

Luke 9:51  And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

It was nearing the time of the final Passover, Jesus was doing things that needed to be done before he would go to the cross for our sins and be received up to heaven with the Father. He fixed his face towards Jerusalem. Be assured this weighed heavy on his human mind. Important and difficult things do cause us to ponder and be prepared in our minds and hearts.

Luke 9:52  And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.  

The Jews hated the Samaritans and normally would go around their land. Jesus had no hate, he would cut through Samaria as he did when he met the woman at the well.  

 John 4:4  And he must needs go through Samaria.

 Every place Jesus went had opportunities for ministry, this is true for us as well. Remember the great commission:  

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, (as you go) and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
 

 Jesus sent messengers ahead to prepare the Samaritans to meet Jesus. They were sent bearing good news.The work of the apostles was to go as ambassadors to introduce Jesus to others.

Luke 9:53  And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.  

 Interesting, his focus and attention seemed to be elsewhere, on the difficult time ahead, so he seemed to be not coming to them, but just passing through. Jesus was perfect, but we are not. If we expect people to want to hear us, we must be prepared and enthusiastic. Jesus could have blessed these people with eternal life, but they thought he was going to others. How many feel that they are unworthy to receive Jesus? How many cannot see that he loves them? That he came to die for them to secure eternal life for them? Do not think that Jesus did not come for you. Do not let him pass by without being touched by him.  

 Luke 19:10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.  

He came for me and he came for you, don't let him go by without making you whole. He is healer and life giver. In Jesus is eternal life and the forgiveness of all sins. He came to them and he comes to you, because he loves you with all of his heart. Reach out and receive him.

  Eaglewings New Testament Studies    

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