Are you ready for the journey?

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 NIV

You are invited to accompany Jesus as he makes his way toward Jerusalem this Lenten Season. Luke’s gospel includes a section called the Travel Narrative. However, there is neither map nor itinerary. Join the entourage as Jesus meanders throughout the towns and villages of Galilee region, turns up in Jericho and eventually arrives in Jerusalem. Scripture notes geographic locations but they may or may not be the focus of Jesus’ message.

Some scholars suggest Jesus' journey to Jerusalem might be an internal one. As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51 NIV) What does 'resolutely' mean? Allow your imagination to help you be drawn into these passages more as a pilgrim journeying along the way that goes beyond Jerusalem and includes the ever-expanding borders of the Kingdom of God. Travel with Jesus as he experiences unique cultural challenges and colorful social situations. Be with Jesus as he triumphs over political tests and boldly threatens the longstanding relational authority between the Temple and humanity.

There is something uneasy about Jesus’ call. Jesus doesn’t explain fully what ‘follow me’ means or even how following him will work. His call demands imitation and it demands you start today. The journey can be a combination of terror and joy for pilgrims. Jesus’ story follows an arch that can both resonate with and confound the hearts of those who participate with it. The story contains complexities of life, death and resurrection. There is power but also weakness. There is leadership and surrender. Could six weeks really transform your life? Come and see.

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24:45-48 NIV