When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "received up" doesn't just mean Jesus' ascension into heaven; it encompasses his entire journey towards suffering and death, viewing it as the necessary prelude to his ultimate glory. Luke frames this entire sequence, starting from this point, as Jesus deliberately walking toward his destiny, even when it meant facing rejection and danger.
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is deliberately turning from his Galilean ministry towards Jerusalem, knowing that his path there will lead to suffering and death, which Luke describes with the unique term "being received up." This marks a decisive shift in his journey, a resolute movement towards his ultimate purpose. The immediate aftermath shows his disciples' zeal for him clashing with a Samaritan village's rejection, highlighting Jesus' contrasting mission of salvation over judgment.
The narrative shifts dramatically here. Jesus isn't just traveling; He's on a one-way mission. What does it mean that 'the days drew near' for His ascension?
Luke signals a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. The phrase 'when the days drew near for him to be taken up' points to the approaching completion of his earthly work.
A Fulfilling Time
The original language suggests a process, not an abrupt event. It implies that the necessary conditions and period of Jesus' life on earth were coming to their destined end. This isn't a spontaneous decision but the unfolding of a divine timetable.
More Than Ascension
The word for 'taken up' (analepsis) is unique in the New Testament but clearly refers to Jesus' ascension into heaven. However, it's used here to encompass the entire trajectory leading to that glorious moment – His passion, death, burial, and resurrection are all part of the journey towards being 'taken up.' It frames His suffering not as an end, but as a necessary step to His exaltation.
Jesus 'set his face' towards Jerusalem. This isn't a casual stroll; it's a determined, resolute march towards danger. What does this steadfast resolve reveal about His mission?
The phrase 'he set his face' is powerful. It conveys an unwavering determination, a deep resolve that doesn't waver.
A Deliberate Choice
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Scholars note this imagery evokes a sense of unyielding purpose, like flint that cannot be easily broken or turned. Jesus wasn't passively heading towards Jerusalem; He was actively, intentionally moving towards the place appointed for His suffering and sacrifice.
Facing the Danger
Jerusalem was the city where prophets were killed. Going there meant walking directly into the heart of opposition, knowing the danger. Yet, Jesus' resolve indicates He was not deterred by the imminent threats. This emphasizes the voluntary nature of His sacrifice – He chose to go, even knowing the cost.
The text mentions Jesus being 'taken up' rather than focusing solely on His death. Why does Luke frame it this way, and what does this perspective teach us?
Luke's choice of words is significant. By highlighting the 'being taken up' (ascension) rather than just the suffering, he emphasizes the ultimate goal of Jesus' mission.
Beyond the Cross
While the cross was central, it was a means to an end. Jesus looked through His suffering to the glory that awaited Him – His ascension and exaltation. This perspective helped Him endure the agony, knowing it led to His Father's full glory.
Our Heavenly Hope
This framing also offers a profound encouragement to believers. Our journey, too, has its hardships, but like Jesus, we can fix our eyes on the ultimate goal: being 'taken up' into God's presence, a destiny that makes present sufferings seem temporary and less significant.
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 the deliberate turning point in Jesus' earthly ministry. It's not just a geographical move, but a resolute embrace of his destiny, knowing it leads through rejection and suffering to his ultimate ascension.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus begins final journey to Jerusalem
Jesus, aware that his time of suffering and ascension was near, resolutely turned his face toward Jerusalem, leaving Galilee behind. This marked a pivotal shift in his ministry, moving towards his ultimate mission.
c. AD 30
Samaritans reject Jesus
Jesus and his disciples were refused hospitality in a Samaritan village because they were traveling to Jerusalem, a city the Samaritans disdained. This rejection highlighted the deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
c. AD 30
Disciples' fiery zeal rebuked
Enraged by the rejection, James and John offered to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans. Jesus rebuked them, teaching them a lesson in patience and the true spirit of his mission, which was not to destroy but to save.
c. AD 30
Jesus teaches on the cost of discipleship
Following the incident in Samaria, Jesus encountered individuals who wanted to follow him but were hesitant due to the perceived hardships. He taught them that following him involved a commitment and sacrifice, looking beyond immediate difficulties to the ultimate goal.
c. AD 30
Jesus' ministry shifts focus
After this point, Jesus' journey towards Jerusalem became the central narrative, with his teachings increasingly focused on his impending suffering, death, and resurrection. The events leading up to his final Passover in Jerusalem unfolded rapidly.
This passage provides the imagery of setting one's face like flint, which directly parallels Jesus' resolute determination to go to Jerusalem, highlighting his unwavering commitment despite the known dangers.
Acts 1:2This verse uses the same concept of 'being taken up' (analepsis) to describe Jesus' ascension into heaven, connecting Luke 9:51 directly to the ultimate purpose of his journey to Jerusalem and his suffering.
John 12:32Jesus speaks of being 'lifted up' from the earth, which is directly related to his death and glorification. This passage illuminates how Jesus viewed his upcoming crucifixion not just as death, but as a 'lifting up' that would draw all people to him, mirroring the 'being received up' in Luke 9:51.
Philippians 2:8This verse describes Jesus humbling himself and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. It complements Luke 9:51 by showing the voluntary nature of Jesus' journey towards suffering and death, demonstrating his profound obedience and love.
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…
The phrase "received up" doesn't just mean Jesus' ascension into heaven; it encompasses his entire journey towards suffering and death, viewing it as the necessary prelude to his ultimate glory. Luke frames this entire sequence, starting from this point, as Jesus deliberately walking toward his destiny, even when it meant facing rejection and danger.
Jesus is deliberately turning from his Galilean ministry towards Jerusalem, knowing that his path there will lead to suffering and death, which Luke describes with the unique term "being received up." This marks a decisive shift in his journey, a resolute movement towards his ultimate purpose. The immediate aftermath shows his disciples' zeal for him clashing with a Samaritan village's rejection, highlighting Jesus' contrasting mission of salvation over judgment.
Jesus is deliberately turning from his Galilean ministry towards Jerusalem, knowing that his path there will lead to suffering and death, which Luke describes with the unique term "being received up." This marks a decisive shift in his journey, a resolute movement towards his ultimate purpose. The immediate aftermath shows his disciples' zeal for him clashing with a Samaritan village's rejection, highlighting Jesus' contrasting mission of salvation over judgment.
"When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." — The phrase "received up" doesn't just mean Jesus' ascension into heaven; it encompasses his entire journey towards suffering and death, viewing it as the necessary prelude to his ultimate glory. Luke…
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Last reviewed October 2026