What’s easy to miss is that "the days drew near for him to be taken up" isn't just about his impending death, but the fulfillment of a specific period of ministry. Jesus wasn't just passively waiting; he actively "set his face," meaning he resolutely determined his path, seeing beyond the suffering to the glory of his ascension.
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just experienced a glorious moment on the Mount of Transfiguration, but now, with the days drawing near for him to be taken up to heaven, his focus sharpens. He deliberately turns his steps toward Jerusalem, understanding that this journey is the final, determined path leading to his suffering and ultimate exaltation. What follows immediately is a Samaritans' rejection, which prompts a fiery response from his disciples, highlighting Jesus' commitment to his mission despite opposition.
The Bible uses a unique word to describe Jesus' departure. It wasn't just an ending, but a profound 'taking up.' What does this specific phrasing reveal about His mission?
The word 'received up' (or 'assumption') in Luke 9:51 is a powerful term, used only here in the Gospels and in Acts and 1 Timothy. It points directly to Jesus' Ascension into heaven. But notice how Luke frames it: 'When the days... were being fulfilled.' This suggests that the entire period leading up to His ascension, including His passion and death, was part of this grand 'taking up.' It wasn't an afterthought or a detour; it was the purposeful culmination of His earthly mission, a journey toward glory, even through suffering.
Jesus 'set his face' towards Jerusalem. This isn't just a casual trip; it's a profound declaration of unwavering resolve in the face of immense danger. What does this determination teach us?
The phrase 'set his face' (or 'steadfastly set his face') implies an immovable decision, like setting something like stone. Jesus wasn't merely going to Jerusalem; He was resolutely heading toward His destiny, fully aware of the suffering and rejection that awaited Him. The commentators highlight that this was a voluntary choice, not a reluctant march. Even when faced with potential danger and knowing the outcome, Jesus pressed on with singular focus, demonstrating incredible courage and commitment to His Father's will.
Understand the original words
Ask a follow-up
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 pivot of Jesus' ministry toward Jerusalem and his ultimate sacrifice. The 'days of his assumption' refer not just to his ascension but encompass the entire period from this point onward, including his passion, death, and resurrection.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus conducts his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period marks the height of his popularity in that region.
c. AD 30
Transfiguration on the Mount
Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with Moses and Elijah appearing. This event foreshadows his future glory and confirms his divine identity, shortly before he begins his final journey to Jerusalem.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Begins Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus resolutely turns his face toward Jerusalem, understanding that his 'assumption'—his suffering, death, and subsequent ascension—is imminent. This marks a significant shift in his ministry's focus.
c. AD 30
Rejection by Samaritans
Samaritans in a village refuse to welcome Jesus and his disciples because they are traveling to Jerusalem. This rejection highlights the deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Passion Week in Jerusalem
Jesus enters Jerusalem, teaches in the temple, and confronts the religious authorities. This week culminates in his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ascension
After his resurrection, Jesus is taken up into heaven, fulfilling the 'assumption' that he had set his face toward from Galilee.
This passage echoes Jesus' resolute determination, stating, 'I have set my face like flint.' It highlights the unwavering resolve Jesus demonstrated in Luke 9:51 as he journeyed towards Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him.
Acts 1:2This verse refers to Jesus' ascension, the 'being taken up' mentioned in Luke 9:51. It connects Jesus' determined journey to Jerusalem with the ultimate heavenly glory He would achieve.
Philippians 2:8This passage describes Jesus humbling Himself and becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. It provides the profound motivation behind Jesus' determined journey to Jerusalem, showing His voluntary sacrifice.
Jeremiah 21:10The phrase 'set his face' in Luke 9:51 has a parallel in this Old Testament passage, where God declares judgment upon Jerusalem. It underscores the solemnity and gravity of Jesus' decision to go to the city that would ultimately reject and crucify 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…
What’s easy to miss is that "the days drew near for him to be taken up" isn't just about his impending death, but the fulfillment of a specific period of ministry. Jesus wasn't just passively waiting; he actively "set his face," meaning he resolutely determined his path, seeing beyond the suffering to the glory of his ascension.
Jesus has just experienced a glorious moment on the Mount of Transfiguration, but now, with the days drawing near for him to be taken up to heaven, his focus sharpens. He deliberately turns his steps toward Jerusalem, understanding that this journey is the final, determined path leading to his suffering and ultimate exaltation. What follows immediately is a Samaritans' rejection, which prompts a fiery response from his disciples, highlighting Jesus' commitment to his mission despite opposition.
Jesus has just experienced a glorious moment on the Mount of Transfiguration, but now, with the days drawing near for him to be taken up to heaven, his focus sharpens. He deliberately turns his steps toward Jerusalem, understanding that this journey is the final, determined path leading to his suffering and ultimate exaltation. What follows immediately is a Samaritans' rejection, which prompts a fiery response from his disciples, highlighting Jesus' commitment to his mission despite opposition.
"When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, be…" — What’s easy to miss is that "the days drew near for him to be taken up" isn't just about his impending death, but the fulfillment of a specific period of ministry. Jesus wasn't just passively waiti…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
