The Bible is filled with deep irony, and one of the most profound examples occurs as Jesus prepares for His final journey to Jerusalem. Just as He transformed the Passover meal into a symbol of His impending sacrifice, He also understood the path before Him, even as His disciples struggled to grasp it. The irony is stark: He was ascending to Jerusalem, both physically—climbing from the lowest city on earth, Jericho, to the heights of the holy city—and spiritually, toward His ultimate glorification. Yet, before He could ascend to His place of power over the universe, He had to endure suffering, betrayal, and death. He knew Peter would deny Him. He knew the disciples would scatter. He knew the cross awaited Him. And yet, He pressed on.

Jesus’ Determined Path

Luke emphasizes that Jesus “set His face toward Jerusalem”. This phrase underscores His unwavering resolve. He was not merely heading toward a city; He was fulfilling a divine mission. His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension were part of God’s eternal plan, revealing His boundless love for humanity. The disciples did not yet understand the weight of this journey. But Jesus did.

The Tragic Miscalculation of Judas

Among those closest to Him, one man—Judas—miscalculated. Many speculate that Judas may not have been motivated solely by thirty pieces of silver. Perhaps he hoped to force Jesus’ hand, believing that by betraying Him, he could instigate a rebellion against Rome. If that was the case, Judas, like many of us, tried to use God’s power for his own agenda. But God does not work according to human schemes. Instead of triggering an uprising, Judas’ betrayal led to his own ruin. He is a cautionary tale for all who attempt to manipulate God rather than surrender to His will.

The Samaritan Rejection

As Jesus continued toward Jerusalem, a Samaritan village refused Him hospitality. Why? Because His face was set toward Jerusalem. The centuries-old hostility between Samaritans and Jews blinded them to the truth of who He was. Their rejection is ironic because the very one they turned away was the one who could offer them eternal life. How often do we, like the Samaritans, fail to recognize the moments when God is near?

The Three Would-Be Disciples

On this journey, three men expressed a desire to follow Jesus, but each had conditions. Their responses reveal common barriers to discipleship.

1. The Comfort Seeker

One man enthusiastically declared, “I will follow you wherever you go!” But Jesus, knowing his heart, responded, “Foxes have dens, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” Following Christ requires sacrifice. This man was not ready to endure discomfort and hardship. Many today fall into the same trap, equating faith with ease and prosperity. Yet, true discipleship often leads us through challenges that refine and strengthen our faith.

2. The Cultural Loyalist

Another man said, “Lord, first let me go bury my father.” Culturally, this was a significant obligation—family came first. But Jesus’ response was sharp: “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” This was not a call to neglect loved ones but a command to prioritize God’s call above all else. Even today, cultural expectations, traditions, and societal norms can hinder full commitment to Christ. Jesus challenges us to place Him above everything, including deeply ingrained traditions.

3. The Hesitant Follower

A third man wanted to say goodbye to his family first. A reasonable request? Perhaps. But Jesus saw deeper: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” The call to follow Jesus demands full commitment. Delaying obedience can lead to never truly following at all. We must be careful not to let sentimental ties or hesitation keep us from stepping into God’s will.

The Danger of a Divided Heart

C.S. Lewis once admitted that, as an atheist, he had a corner of his heart fenced off from God with a sign that said, “Hands off.” Many of us do the same. Whether it’s comfort, cultural norms, or personal attachments, we build barriers that keep God from fully shaping our lives. Jesus calls us to tear down those fences, to let go, and to trust Him completely.

Counting the Cost

Following Christ is not a decision to be taken lightly. Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi once recruited soldiers with a bold statement: “I offer no pay, no comfort, no food—only hunger, thirst, forced marches, battle, and death. Let him who loves his country with his heart and not his lips follow me.” Jesus’ call is similar. He does not promise luxury, but He promises Himself. And that is worth more than anything the world can offer.

As we reflect on Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, we must ask ourselves: What are we holding onto that keeps us from fully following Him? Are we ready to set our faces toward Him, no matter the cost? The greatest irony of all is that when we lose our lives for Christ, we find them in ways we never imagined.