Set His Face to Go to Jerusalem

Luke 9:51 records that when the appointed time arrived for Jesus to be taken up, “he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” This phrase denotes a deliberate, resolute decision to confront what awaited him—suffering, rejection, and death. The image of setting one’s face like flint captures an unyielding courage and obedience to the Father’s purpose, echoing Isaiah’s portrayal of the suffering servant who “set his face like flint” (Isaiah 50:7) and indicating both firmness of will and fidelity to God’s redemptive plan ([03:18] to [13:25]). Jesus’ determination is not inconsistency with his compassion; it is a complementary strength whereby a tender Savior nevertheless embraces the cross because obedience to God and the salvation of sinners require it ([04:44] to [06:34]). Facing fear and suffering directly is presented as a spiritual discipline: confronting fear reduces its power over the soul ([06:34] to [12:42]).

Mark 8:31–35 makes explicit that Jesus predicted his suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. When Peter rebuked the prospect of such suffering, he was corrected for placing human concerns above God’s purposes, underscoring that God’s plan often runs counter to natural inclinations toward comfort and preservation ([00:53] to [02:13]). Jesus then issues a direct summons to discipleship: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Denying oneself means renouncing the controlling desires of the flesh—pride, greed, fear, self-seeking—and embracing the cross, the symbol and reality of suffering, rejection, and even death, as the pathway of life in Christ ([23:13] to [24:15]). The teaching draws a stark contrast between those who strive to save their lives by avoidance and those who willingly lose their lives for the sake of Christ and the gospel; paradoxically, those who surrender in this way are the ones who truly find life ([26:03] to [28:45]). The cost of discipleship is concrete and often severe; many believers worldwide endure persecution, hardship, and even martyrdom for their faith, demonstrating that the call to follow Christ frequently involves real-world suffering and sacrifice ([31:55] to [32:43]).

Paul’s writings define this call to deny self in unequivocal terms. Galatians 2:20 declares the radical identity change at the heart of discipleship: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Genuine Christian life begins with a death to the old self and the emergence of Christ’s life within the believer ([33:04] to [33:32]). Galatians 5:24 reinforces this by stating that those who belong to Christ have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,” making clear that sanctification requires the decisive repudiation of habitual sin and selfish inclinations ([33:47]). Such resolve is not lightly achieved; steadfast commitment and perseverance are necessary, for a resolve easily made is easily broken—persistent, disciplined faithfulness is required to live out the crucified life ([34:06] to [35:34]).

Acceptance of suffering when God does not remove it is an integral aspect of mature Christian faith. Scripture and apostolic experience teach that God’s grace is often manifested in human weakness and that some trials remain so that divine power may be displayed through dependence and perseverance. The pattern of Christ’s own suffering—including abandonment, betrayal, and the mysterious sorrow the Father permitted—models trust in God even amid apparent abandonment and pain. The example of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” illustrates that God may allow ongoing weakness to prevent spiritual pride and to highlight the sufficiency of divine grace; believers are called to trust God’s wisdom and sustaining power when relief does not come immediately ([16:20] to [21:28]; [29:04] to [29:34]).

Taken together, these biblical teachings present a coherent portrait of discipleship: determined obedience to God’s redemptive purposes, a willingness to embrace the cross and the losses it entails, a decisive dying to the claims of the flesh so that Christ may live through the believer, and a steadfast trust in God’s sustaining grace when suffering persists. This is the pattern by which the life, suffering, and ultimate vindication of Jesus shape the expectations and conduct of those who follow him, calling believers to courage, self-denial, and perseverance.

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