Lessons from Jesus’s Journey to Jerusalem
As Jesus made His way to Jerusalem, knowing the crucifixion awaited Him, His actions and encounters teach us profound lessons about faith, trust, and redemption. His sacrifice wasn’t about rules and regulations – it was about His deep love for people.
Why Do We Need to Meet Jesus First?
The first step on the road to redemption is meeting Jesus personally. As John 14:6 states, Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” – the only path to salvation. This isn’t just about saying a prayer, but developing a real, active relationship with Him.
What Does True Faith Look Like?
True faith means trusting Jesus even when we can’t see the outcome. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It’s about having deep confidence that God’s promises are true, even when circumstances suggest otherwise.
How Does God Use Our Weaknesses?
Sometimes God’s greatest work happens through our suffering. As Paul learned through his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12), God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. Our struggles aren’t punishment, but opportunities for God’s power to shine through.
What Can We Learn from the Centurion’s Faith?
Jesus highlighted the Roman centurion as having remarkable faith – greater than anyone in Israel. The centurion:
Approached Jesus with humility
Recognized Jesus’s authority
Trusted Jesus’s word alone could heal
Demonstrated faith through action
Life Application
This week, examine your faith by asking yourself:
Do I approach God with genuine humility?
Am I trusting Jesus with my circumstances, even when I can’t see the outcome?
Have I become complacent in my relationship with God?
Do I truly believe Jesus is who He says He is?
Challenge: Choose one area of your life where you’ve been trying to maintain control. Deliberately surrender it to God, trusting His wisdom and timing over your own. Write down specific ways you’ll demonstrate this trust through your actions this week.
Remember: Faith isn’t about feeling worthy or having perfect understanding – it’s about throwing ourselves at Jesus’s feet and trusting His power completely.