Luke 9:51
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just decide to go to Jerusalem; the text says the "days of his being taken up" were being fulfilled. This means his ascension into heaven, the ultimate purpose, was the goal that shaped this entire journey, casting a light on every event that followed as a necessary step toward glory.
Jesus has just revealed his future suffering and death to his disciples, and now Luke marks a significant turning point in the narrative. With the time for his ascension drawing near, Jesus resolutely turns his face towards Jerusalem, understanding that this journey is the path leading to his passion and ultimate glorification. This decision sets the stage for the rejection he will face, not just from Jewish leaders, but even from the Samaritans, highlighting the growing opposition he will encounter on his final journey.
Jesus's journey to Jerusalem wasn't just a trip; it was the purposeful culmination of his earthly mission. Notice how the text frames this pivotal moment.
The verse opens with a profound theological statement: 'When the days drew near for him to be taken up...' This unique word, 'taken up' (or 'assumption'), points directly to Jesus's ascension into heaven.
A Cosmic Perspective
Jesus wasn't passively drifting toward Jerusalem; he was actively, resolutely moving towards it. What does this powerful imagery tell us about his inner state?
The phrase 'he set his face' is incredibly strong. It’s not just a decision, but a deep, unwavering resolve. Imagine setting your jaw, steeling your nerves, and marching forward with absolute determination.
A Deliberate Choice
Understand the original words
stērizō · Greek Verb
A formal commitment or determined resolve to fulfill a specific mission or purpose, often involving self-sacrifice or endurance of hardship.
analēmpsis · Greek Noun
A term describing the departure of Jesus to heaven, referring to his ascension; it implies a movement from earth back to the Father's presence after completing his redemptive work.
Hierosolyma · Greek Noun
The capital of Israel and the holy city of God, symbolizing the place where God dwells among His people and the location ordained for the Messiah's passion and death.
This verse marks a pivotal moment where Jesus, fully aware of his impending suffering and ascension, resolutely sets his course towards Jerusalem. The narrative emphasizes his voluntary sacrifice and unwavering commitment to God's plan, even in the face of danger and rejection.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus travels and teaches throughout Galilee, performing miracles and gathering disciples. This period establishes his public ministry and growing popularity.
c. AD 30
Transfiguration on the Mount
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, speaking with Moses and Elijah about his coming passion. This event foreshadows his glory and prepares his disciples for his suffering.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus begins journey to Jerusalem
Jesus resolutely turns his face towards Jerusalem, knowing his suffering and ascension await him. This marks a definitive turn in his ministry, moving towards his ultimate purpose.
c. AD 30
Rejection by Samaritans
Villages in Samaria refuse to welcome Jesus and his disciples because they are traveling to Jerusalem. This rejection highlights the deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' resolve, stating 'I have set my face like a flint,' highlighting the determined and unyielding focus on His mission despite anticipated suffering.
Acts 1:2This verse echoes Luke 9:51 by referencing Jesus' ascension ('received up') and His instructions to the apostles before that event, framing His journey to Jerusalem as the final step before His heavenly exaltation.
John 12:32Jesus speaks of being 'lifted up from the earth' as drawing all people to Him, a concept that resonates with Luke 9:51's 'received up,' showing that His going to Jerusalem was intrinsically linked to His ultimate sacrifice and glorification.
Philippians 2:5-8This passage describes Christ humbling Himself and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross, which powerfully illuminates the voluntary and purposeful nature of Jesus 'setting His face' towards Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited Him.
vincentLuke 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,"
When the time was come (ἐν τῷ συμπληροῦσθαι τὰς ἡμέρας)Lit., in the fulfilling of the days. This means when the days were being fulfilled; not when they were fulfilled: when the time was drawing near. Rev., were well-nigh come. Luke is speaking of a period beginning with the first announcement of his sufferings, and extending to the time of his being rece…
barnesLuke 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,"
Should be received up - The word here translated "received up" means literally a removal from a lower to a higher place, and here it refers evidently to the solemn ascension of Jesus to heaven. It is often used to describe that great event. See Acts 1:11 , Acts 1:22 ; Mark 16:19 ; 1 Timothy 3:16 . The time appointed for him to remain on the earth was about expir…
Jesus doesn't just decide to go to Jerusalem; the text says the "days of his being taken up" were being fulfilled. This means his ascension into heaven, the ultimate purpose, was the goal that shaped this entire journey, casting a light on every event that followed as a necessary step toward glory.
Jesus has just revealed his future suffering and death to his disciples, and now Luke marks a significant turning point in the narrative. With the time for his ascension drawing near, Jesus resolutely turns his face towards Jerusalem, understanding that this journey is the path leading to his passion and ultimate glorification. This decision sets the stage for the rejection he will face, not just from Jewish leaders, but even from the Samaritans, highlighting the growing opposition he will encounter on his final journey.
Jesus has just revealed his future suffering and death to his disciples, and now Luke marks a significant turning point in the narrative. With the time for his ascension drawing near, Jesus resolutely turns his face towards Jerusalem, understanding that this journey is the path leading to his passion and ultimate glorification. This decision sets the stage for the rejection he will face, not just from Jewish leaders, but even from the Samaritans, highlighting the growing opposition he will encounter on his final journey.
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c. AD 30
Jesus rebukes disciples' zeal
James and John, angered by the Samaritans' rejection, ask if they should call down fire from heaven. Jesus rebukes their destructive spirit, emphasizing his mission of salvation, not destruction.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem
Jesus proceeds towards Jerusalem, teaching and encountering various individuals and situations that prepare him and his followers for the events to come.
"When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." — Jesus doesn't just decide to go to Jerusalem; the text says the "days of his being taken up" were being fulfilled. This means his ascension into heaven, the ultimate purpose, was the goal that shaped…
