“Jesus did not avoid conflict and trial but walked toward them to heal and transform.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 30, 2025
When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Luke 9:51, ESV
With just three words, Luke reminds us of a profound truth in the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus entered the week of the passion, walking the road to his death upon the cross, it was not a road that he was forced to walk, nor was his life taken from him against his will. No, he was “taken up” because he “gave himself up,” setting his face to go to Jerusalem for the life of the world.
This phrase, “set his face,” is uncommon in our modern vocabulary, yet it calls to mind the language of the prophets of old. In the bible, “setting one’s face” was a sign of determined, resolute action, especially in the face of hardship or difficulty. Consider the words of Isaiah 50:7, where the Suffering Servant, who is himself a foreshadowing of Christ, says “But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame.”
As men and women who seek to follow the example of our Lord, I find this phrase deeply convicting and inspiring. I realize how easily my resolve can be shaken, my faith damaged, and my fears confirmed. Yet when I look at Jesus, I see someone who is fully aware of the trial that awaits him, yet chooses to resolutely walk toward his suffering and death because he knows life and healing and restoration are found on the other side. I long for the courage to live out this same faith, becoming by grace what Christ is by nature.
You and I will face countless trials in our lives, moments when our faith could easily be shaken and knocked off course. It is precisely in these moments that our belief in Jesus must hold fast and be proven true. We serve a risen Lord who did not avoid conflict and trial but walked toward it, knowing that as he did, it would be healed and transformed. May he give us the strength to follow his lead.
Prayer
Jesus, we marvel afresh at your unwavering obedience and faithfulness to the will of the Father. Give us the strength to follow you, even into the darkest valley, for we know that you are always with us. Amen.
Application
Meditate on this rich phrase – “set his face” – asking God to continue to speak to you today through the words of Luke 9.
Related Reading
John 10:17–18; Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 2:8–9
Worship Resource
Brooke Ligertwood: Lead Me To The Cross (with Martin Smith)
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