Christ Church Daily Devotion Feb 18 2024

Jesus prepares to go to Jerusalem, knowing he will face hostility. His disciples want to call fire down from heaven to destroy those who reject him, but Jesus rebukes them. Jesus teaches that his way is about self-denial and caring for others. Following Jesus means taking up daily crosses and getting involved in the suffering of others. Worship today focuses on following Jesus to Jerusalem. Welcome to Christ Church's Daily Devotion for February 18th, 2024. Today, we will be reading from Luke, chapter 9, verses 51 through 55. As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem and he sent messengers on ahead who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him. But the people there did not welcome him because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples, James and John, saw this, they asked, Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them? But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Every once in a while, there comes those moments in life when you know what you have to do, even if it is hard past sick. Luke 9, 51 is that moment for Jesus. Here is how Eugene Peterson translated that verse in The Message. When it came close to the time for his ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He knew what awaited him in that city. He had already sensed the growing animosity of his adversaries. To go to Jerusalem was to go to a cross. The verses right after that one give just one example of the many times he taught his disciples and others about the differences of his way and the ways of this world. Those two ways are in conflict and they always will be. One of the primary ways of this world is to focus on what is best for ourselves and our family, our people, our country, and so on. However, Jesus taught that his way was about denying ourself and considering only what is best for us. And not only would he go to a literal cross, but he called his followers to take up daily crosses, daily opportunities to get involved in the pain and suffering of people around us. Following Jesus is a challenging endeavor, but he still invites you to follow. Will you go to Jerusalem with him? Your personal worship option today is, join us in worship today as I begin a new sermon series titled, Following Jesus to Jerusalem. I remind you that it is best to participate in worship in person, but if circumstances prevent you from doing so, be sure to connect to our live stream or watch later online.