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Ask God: Remember for it is God who gives us the ability to . . . (fill in the blank) (Deuteronomy 8:18). Jesus was truly dependent on the Father and we should be too.

Good Evening Reader,

It has been another truly wonderful week. God blesses and we praise God and give him the Glory.

Today, we look at "Purpose" and study how Jesus carried out God's purpose.

All Glory to God.

Elvin

Follow Jesus' Example of Purpose.

Jesus Stays True to His Purpose

Luke 13:31-35

In Luke 13:31-35, you see how Jesus stayed true to His purpose despite threats. He faced opposition head-on, showing courage while continuing to heal and teach. His compassion was evident in how He cared for the people, reflecting a deep concern for their well-being. Jesus' willingness to sacrifice for humanity highlights the personal cost of His mission.

We can learn so much by studying how Jesus handled distractions to His purpose. Jesus shows us how He kept His eyes on His purpose for being on earth. Jesus is our example, and Luke paused in writing the Book of Luke to point out how Jesus reacted to threats to His purpose.

Luke gives us an overview of the public ministry of Jesus. Jesus ministered in the region of Galilee during the first years of His ministry. During the third year, He "set His face to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), including His suffering, death, and eventual resurrection.

Jesus continued to teach the people even as He traveled to Jerusalem. "And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem" (Luke 13:22). Jesus' priority was always to teach.

Understanding the Context of Luke 13:31-35

As we explore these verses in the 13^th chapter of Luke, we discover a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry. Here, we see the tension caused by His popularity. The Pharisees opposed Jesus, and Herod Antipas sent people to report on Jesus' movement. He was concerned about Jesus's ever-increasing influence and potential unrest in his territory which could cause problems for him from Rome.

The Pharisees warn Jesus of Herod's concern about His growing movement. This reflected the increasing opposition to Jesus. Herod's concern only highlighted the opposition forming against Jesus. It showed the urgency of His message and the challenges that lay ahead.

You'll notice how Jesus emphasizes His commitment to fulfill His purpose despite these dangers. Even though His journey to Jerusalem was laden with inevitable suffering, it shows the depth of His resolve to fulfill His purpose.

Jesus' resolve gives us a greater appreciation of His unwavering dedication to His calling and His love for the people.

Jesus is Threatened and Rejected

Not only was Jesus threatened, but also rejected by many in Jerusalem. Even during this time of tension, Jesus remained committed to His mission and purpose. Let us read how Jesus reacted to the threats.

Luke 13:31-35 says, "On that very day some Pharisees came, saying to Him, "Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill You."

And He said to them, "Go, tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.' Nevertheless, I must journey today, tomorrow, and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' "

Jesus' Response to Those Threats and Opposition

In the face of threats and opposition, Jesus remains steadfast in His mission. He doesn't back down when warned about Herod's intentions; instead, He boldly asserts His purpose. He sends word to Herod that He will continue to cast out demons and perform cures.

Jesus understands that setbacks won't deter Him from fulfilling His calling. He acknowledges the danger but continues to preach and heal, demonstrating courage and resolve.

His focus on the task at hand showcases His unwavering commitment. By addressing the threats head-on, He exemplifies how to confront challenges with determination.

Jesus teaches us that with a clear purpose and commitment, we can refuse to let fear dictate our path.

The Importance of Compassion in His Mission

While facing these challenges, Jesus never lost sight of His love and compassion for the people. Even as His life is threatened, Jesus shows His concern for the people by continuing to teach them.

Whether healing the sick or comforting the grieving, He met people where they were, showing that compassion isn't just an emotion; it's an action. Jesus teaches us to love and serve selflessly.

The Significance of Sacrifice in Jesus' Purpose

Understanding the significance of sacrifice in Jesus' purpose reveals a profound truth: He willingly laid down His life for you and me.

By embracing sacrifice, Jesus demonstrated that true purpose often requires personal cost. He faced rejection and hardship while continuing to carry out the Father's plan to redeem mankind. Each moment leading to the cross embodied His dedication to fulfilling God's plan.

Lessons for Our Own Sense of Purpose

Jesus' example of sacrifice offers valuable lessons for our own sense of purpose.

First, we must prioritize our mission because challenges arise and must be dealt with. Even when faced with opposition, we must embrace the challenges, knowing that we grow stronger in our resolve as we do.

Second, Jesus embraced compassion for all, even those who rejected Him. Like Jesus, as we reach out to those in need, we understand that our purpose is often revealed in the service we provide to others. You'll find clarity in your journey and inspire others along the way.

Commit To Your Purpose to Follow Jesus

In reflecting on Jesus' purpose in Luke, you see He faced threats with unwavering resolve and compassion. His commitment to sacrifice for others highlights the depth of His love.

By embracing your own purpose, you can draw inspiration from His example, reminding yourself to respond to challenges with love and dedication. Just as Jesus exemplified courage and compassion, you, too, can make a meaningful impact on those around you by living out your unique purpose.

Elvin

Your Plan or God's Plan?

Ask God For Help

Christian faith

Reader,

Hosea said his people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. Knowledge give believers and non-believers a choice. When a person does not know, they cannot choose.

Feel free to forward this lesson to your friends and family.

Grow in the knowledge of God.

Elvin

Send your comments to elvin.aycock@AskGodForHelp.net and let me know what you think of the lessons.

Go to: www.AskGodForHelp.net

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