Articles
The Unwavering Resolve Of Jesus
The word resolve, at its core, suggests a firm determination to do something. It provides us with the strength to proceed forward, even when we are faced with challenges and opposition. In Luke 13, we are given a snapshot of the unwavering resolve of Jesus. His teachings in the cities and villages challenged those who assumed they had an advantage over others in their status with God. To such people, Jesus said, “And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last” (Lk. 13:30). His message provoked a sharp reaction. The Pharisees, who considered themselves privileged in God’s eyes, responded. They said, “Go away, leave here, for Herod wants to kill You” (Lk. 13:31). Their concern was not for Jesus’s safety, but a desperate attempt to silence his teachings. Jesus responded to their futile attempt with a powerful display of his unwavering resolve.
Jesus was resolved to continue and complete His work. He said, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal. Nevertheless I must journey on today and tomorrow and the next day…” (Lk. 13:32-33). Jesus’s response is a testament to his resolve. The reference to the third day is likely not an allusion to his resurrection on the third day. Rather, Jesus is probably referring to a sequence of events that will come to an end. As Darrell L. Bock writes, “Jesus will continue His ministry and on the third day, at the end of the sequence, he will enter Jerusalem and complete the task of his ministry through his death.” Jesus would not be deterred from his purpose, continuing to demonstrate his divine attestation through miracles, wonders, and signs until his work was finished.
Jesus also demonstrated his unwavering resolve in the midst of fierce opposition. The Pharisees and Herod were united in their opposition against Jesus. In fact, Jesus himself acknowledged the persistent opposition that those sent by God faced from God’s own people. He lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her” (Lk. 13:34). Past and present opposition did not hinder him.
Finally, Jesus displayed unwavering resolve toward those who rejected him. To such people, with a heart filled with longing and sorrow, he said to those who turned away, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it” (Lk 13:34). Their stubborn and hard hearts did not extinguish his unwavering resolve to bring them near.
Jesus’s unwavering resolve, displayed in the midst of opposition and rejection, stands as a powerful example. Let us be deeply grateful for it. And let us strive to reflect it in our own lives.
